Douglas Luiz was not present. Juventus players went back to training this Thursday in Continassa for preparations for next season 2025/26. All of them showed up except him. There was no forewarning before time, no reason. It was the Brazilian midfielder who couldn't be bothered with any reason for absenting himself. It was not taken with a smiling face. Far from it. The club is now going to hang him out for disciplinary action.
The Italian media wasn’t quick to jump on it, nor was it from English clubs from the Premier League. West Ham, Everton, Liverpool are following it, considering it a market potential. Juventus appears to put up the player up for sale for €40 million. All showing that it isn’t quite opportune. How was it with Douglas Luiz?
Juventus thwarted by silence of player
Never in history has a member missed a preseason report day, much less for a club as big as Juventus. In tight little quarters it was early. To bench coaches his no-show was a lack of effort. In-house penalties have begun being talked about by the front office.
Douglas Luiz experienced some ups in his maiden season but was also constrained by injuries and couldn't establish a groove. But he was due back in the first-team mix with Juventus currently in a season-long overhaul of its players following a tumultuous year.
That is also open to interpretation. Was it a way of asking for a transfer? Or more of a personal matter that was not handled in the correct way?
Interest in Premier League rises
Luiz's no-show did little more than give further impetus to transfer speculation. Three English clubs to show interest so far. West Ham targets midfield depth, Everton desires more middle midfield solidity, while Liverpool is taking a close look due to his anywhere-playable profile and his Premier League record.
Douglas is familiar with the league. He was a stand-out in Aston Villa, and his transition would be rapid, so that makes him more valuable. Juventus is aware of that as well. They’re not going to release him for anything less than €40 million. If it's true that he wants out, a transfer might be possible even before they face Borussia Dortmund in a friendly on August 10.