The buzz around West Ham’s midfield reinforcements just got louder this week.
According to The Sun, the Hammers are hot on the trail of Douglas Luiz, the Brazilian midfielder currently at Juventus — a player who’s been linked with a Premier League return ever since his move to Italy last summer didn’t quite pan out.
Potter is reportedly “tracking the Juventus player,” and while Everton and other clubs are also circling, West Ham look well placed to make a serious push for Luiz.
A SunSport insider said: “Luiz is set to become one of the most coveted players of the window. Everton and West Ham are keen, but others may well join the bidding.”
Juventus want to offload Luiz this summer and are open to a permanent transfer or even a loan deal to help trim their wage bill.
And now, the Irons have received a major boost in their chase…
Luiz Misses Pre-Season Training — Exit Looms
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Douglas Luiz did not show up for Juventus’ pre-season training.
Disciplinary action is reportedly on the cards, with the midfielder expected to leave Turin this summer.
While not an official transfer announcement, this absence sends a clear message — Luiz wants out. And that’s great news for interested clubs like West Ham.
If Potter can land Luiz, the club will be snapping up a player with serious pedigree.
During his time at Aston Villa, Luiz earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s finest holding midfielders. Some even believe he’s better than Declan Rice.
In 2023, former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant said: “Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better.”
While a return for Rice to the Hammers remains off the table, it looks like West Ham could soon secure the next best thing — or perhaps even better.
