Nottingham Forest Receive Boost in Pursuit of Douglas Luiz as Manchester City Abandon Plans
Nottingham Forest’s January transfer window has been dominated by their search for a new striker. However, a recent development has given the club a surprise boost in their pursuit of a top midfield target.
Douglas Luiz, the Juventus midfielder, has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester City and Forest both reportedly interested in his services. However, according to a recent report in the Daily Mail, City have now turned their attention to Porto’s Nico Gonzalez, potentially opening the door for Forest to make a move for Luiz.
The report states that City have made contact with Porto and are in negotiations over a fee for Gonzalez, who has a release clause of around £50 million. This development could be a game-changer for Forest, who may now have a clearer path to signing Luiz.
Douglas Luiz: A Top Midfield Target
Luiz has been a long-term target for Forest, who have been impressed by his performances for Juventus and Aston Villa. The Brazilian midfielder has a proven track record in the Premier League, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in his final season at Villa before moving to Italy.
However, despite his impressive pedigree, Forest may need to weigh up whether signing Luiz is the right move for the club. With Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo returning from injury, Forest’s midfield options are already strong, and the club may not need to invest in another midfielder at this time.
The Potential Risks of Signing Luiz
One of the main concerns about signing Luiz is his valuation. The midfielder is reportedly valued at around £59 million, which could be a significant outlay for Forest. While Luiz is undoubtedly a talented player, the club may need to consider whether he is worth the investment.
Another factor to consider is Luiz’s current situation at Juventus. The midfielder has only started three Serie A games for the Italian club since his summer move, which suggests that he may not be a key part of their plans. This could impact his motivation and form if he were to join Forest.
The Alternative Option: Focusing on a Striker
Given the potential risks and uncertainties surrounding a move for Luiz, Forest may be wise to focus their attention on signing a new striker. The club has been linked with several top forwards, including Matheus Cunha and others, and investing in a proven goal-scorer could be a more pressing priority.
With the transfer deadline looming, Forest will need to move quickly if they are to secure their top targets. While the pursuit of Luiz is an intriguing one, the club may need to prioritize their needs and focus on signing a player who can make an immediate impact.
Conclusion
Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Douglas Luiz has been given a surprise boost by Manchester City’s decision to abandon their plans to sign the midfielder. However, despite this development, Forest may still need to weigh up whether signing Luiz is the right move for the club.
With the club’s midfield options already strong, and the valuation of Luiz a potential concern, Forest may be wise to focus their attention on signing a new striker. The transfer deadline is looming, and the club will need to move quickly if they are to secure their top targets.
Only time will tell if Forest will make a move for Luiz, but one thing is certain: the club’s transfer business is far from over. With several top targets still on the radar, Forest fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the January transfer window.