Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz looks set to remain with the club with Manchester City unlikely to activate their buy-back option according to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.
Luiz has been a fixture in the Villa side since moving to the club in 2019 establishing himself as a Premier League midfielder.
Manchester City look to set to waive on their buy-back option with Pep Guardiola keen to tie down Fernandinho to another year at the club. City appear to be in the market for a long-term replacement with Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli on that list.
Douglas Luiz Aston Villa Stay to Continue With Manchester City Unlikely to Use Buy Back Option
Luiz Has Been Key to Aston Villa’s Success Since Premier League Return
When Villa forked out £15 million for the Brazilian international, many were concerned with the midfielder yet to play in English football. City tried to obtain a work permit but could not and selling to Villa allowed Luiz to finally play in England.
Since his arrival, Luiz has grown and developed into an excellent Premier League midfielder. The Brazilian played his part in Villa’s survival last season as well as their progress this season. He has formed a good partnership with John McGinn and is a popular figure around the football club.
He has also established himself in the Brazilian national side with Tite impressed with the Villa midfielder. This news will be greeted positively by Villa, manager Dean Smith and the fans.
Villa have spent much of this season tying down their key players. Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, John McGinn, Ezri Konsa and Matt Targett have all agreed on contract extensions in the past twelve months. Douglas Luiz is another Villa want to tie down and now they can accelerate their plans to tie down another key asset.
Manchester City Close to Agreeing Fernandinho Contract Extension
With a move for Douglas Luiz off the table, City appear to be attempting to tie down Fernandinho. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are in advanced talks to extend the Brazilian’s contract until June 2022. Talks are progressing well with Fernandinho’s agents to extend his stay by one more season.
The 35-year-old continues to sparkle and remains a key player for Manchester City. He has played an integral role in City’s season which is set to end with another Premier League title as well as a shot at the Champions League having reached the final.
Fernandinho continues to be a figure the players look up to and a player Pep Guardiola can always rely on. His future will be decided in the coming weeks with offers on the table from Europe and South America.
City are also searching for a long-term replacement for the veteran Brazilian. Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli is high on their list of targets. The Italian midfielder has been a consistent performer in Serie A and is very much in Roberto Mancini’s plans for the European Championships.
Locatelli has played a major role in Sassuolo’s successful season which could end in European football. He is a dynamic midfielder who does the box to box work very well. His combative but has real quality on the ball and certainly would be an excellent replacement for Fernandinho when his time comes to an end.
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