Manchester City target Douglas Luiz has now received praise from Fernando Diniz after being included in the Brazil squad.
The 49-year-old made the comments when speaking to Globo Esporte.
So, what was said about Manchester City target Douglas Luiz? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it was Dean Jones who revealed that Manchester City are interested in the Aston Villa No.6 when speaking to Give Me Sport.
The treble winners actually sold Luiz to Aston Villa for just £15m back in July 2019 after failing to secure a work permit for the South American, although the size of the transfer fee meant he was able to get one at Villa Park.
Manchester City did – however – negotiate a buyback clause for £30m, which Aston Villa actually expected to be triggered, according to The Athletic, although it never was.
Now, Luiz is on fire, scoring five goals in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season – while also providing an assist – which has led to a first Brazil call up since October 2021.
Speaking about his decision to invite the South American back to international duty, Diniz said: “Douglas is one of the highlights of the Premier League, he has been a player monitored here for a long time.
“He’s going through the best moment of his career. It’s a well deserved call up.”
Alan Shearer even claimed that Luiz has transformed Aston Villa – who currently sit fifth in the Premier League.
Douglas Luiz could replace Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City
In our view, Luiz could be signed as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
A story from ESPN claimed that the England international is considering his future at the Etihad Stadium amid a lack of playing time.
Phillips himself even said “I want minutes” during the last international break, as he aims to make Gareth Southgate’s UEFA EURO 2024 squad.
If the 27-year-old does leave the Etihad Stadium, then we wouldn’t be surprised to see Luiz targeted as his replacement, following his stunning efforts at Aston Villa so far this season.
