Aston Villa confident of keeping Douglas Luiz
Villa are confident of keeping Douglas Luiz after the midfielder was linked with a return to Manchester City.
Reports in Brazil yesterday claimed City were set to trigger the £25million buyback option inserted into the deal which saw Luiz move from the Etihad to Villa Park for £15m a year ago.
But Villa have received no such indication and fully expect the 22-year-old to remain with them for the coming season.
Luiz spent two years on City’s books after joining from Vasco De Gama but didn’t kick a ball for Pep Guardiola’s team after they were unable to obtain a work permit.
Villa were successful in doing so due to the size of the fee and Luiz’s relative importance to their team.
City’s buyback clause is valid for two years, though the size of the fee increases at the end of each season.
Reports linking Villa with a move for Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale are understood to be wide of the mark. The 22-year-old is poised to join Sheffield United.
