Douglas Luiz's transfer D-Day: Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City? Villa star's best option revealed
Robin Bairner
- 29 Nov 2023 09:57 GMT
- 4 min read
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is shaping up to be one of the stories of the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old midfielder is wanted by the four teams chasing the Premier League title: Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all want to sign him, while Unai Emery’s side want to retain his services until the end of the season.
With Villa fourth in the standings and flying under the Spaniard, they have given themselves a strong base to retain the Brazil international, but what is the best decision for his career?
Using the career advice tool of data analytics firm SciSports, there’s a very clear answer as to Douglas Luiz’s optimal choice based on the options that are presented to him.
All are attractive options, with strong projects and respected managers, but which club is he best suited to? Here are how the four teams rank, from the worst choice to the best.
You are Douglas Luiz.
Do you leave Aston Villa in January for Arsenal, Liverpool, or Man City? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4kFccDBmdu
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) November 29, 2023
4. Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s side are still seeking midfield depth, but according to SciSports, Douglas Luiz’s playing time at Anfield would likely be difficult to guarantee. Otherwise, the Merseysiders are a nice option for him, with a Club Fit score of 74 very competitive indeed.
3. Aston Villa
Staying put at his current club is only Douglas Luiz’s third-best option, according to SciSports, who believe that Emery’s playing style is not suited to getting the absolute best out of the player. In terms of formation and development of his game, though, the Birmingham club rates well.
| Club Fit | Pot. Development | Playing Time | Style | Formation | |
| Arsenal | 84 | **** | **** | ***** | * |
| Man City | 78 | ***** | * | ***** | * |
| Aston Villa | 77 | ***** | *** | *** | ***** |
| Liverpool | 74 | ***** | * | ***** | * |
2. Manchester City
A return to Man City, where he spent two seasons after signing from Vasco da Gama for €12 million, ranks second on this list of four. There are concerns that he would simply become lost at the Champions League winners, though, with a lack of playing time a notable concern along with Pep Guardiola’s formation.
1. Arsenal
Leading the way comfortably with a Club Fit score of 84 is Arsenal, who can offer Douglas Luiz everything from the opportunity to develop through to playing time in a style that suits his game.
SciSports, meanwhile, reports that the absolute optimum club for Douglas Luiz is Bayern Munich, who have been searching for a midfielder but will surely only enter the transfer market next summer.
