Chelsea considering shock Douglas Luiz loan transfer as Liam Rosenior looks to bolster squad in January
CHELSEA have made a shock move for Nottingham Forest loanee Douglas Luiz.
The Brazil midfielder, 27, has been hampered by injury and made little impact since joining Forest from Juventus on a season-long deal.
But Chelsea are considering whether to take over the loan and sources believe things could move quickly today [FRI].
Former Aston Villa star Luiz, despite his underwhelming season so far, offers Premier League and Champions League experience as well as versatility.
The Blues want more options in midfield to cover for injuries and the ongoing need to manage the physical condition of a number of key players.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are both carrying knocks, while Cole Palmer has been unable to string a run of games together.
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Captain Reece James has played in a defensive midfield role on a number of occasions but still has to be wary of playing too many minutes.
Chelsea hoped Andrey Santos would step up after being recalled from loan at sister club Strasbourg, where he thrived last season under new Blues boss Liam Rosenior.
But Santos has found the Premier League and Champions League a very different proposition and has looked lost at times.
Palmer’s frequent absence has led to Fernandez often moving forward to play in the No 10 role.
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Luiz, who is represented by the same agency as Santos, would be able to slot in as a sitting midfielder, alongside Caicedo or James.
That would allow Fernandez to fill in for Palmer – or to rest when the England star was fit.
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Luiz made his name at Villa after failing to break through at Manchester City.
The Midlanders sold him to Juventus for £43.5m in the summer of 2024 when under pressure to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Luiz did not pull up any trees in an injury-hit first season in Turin.
He was allowed to leave on loan in the summer but has made only 13 appearances for Forest.
But Chelsea believe the Brazilian fits Rosenior’s system and can make a valuable contribution for the remainder of the campaign.
Ironically, news of his possible move away from the East Midlands comes on the day his glamorous ex-girlfriend Alisha Lehmann signed for Leicester City Women – and the day after she went public with new partner, Love Island’s Montel McKenzie, on her 27th birthday.
