Alan Hutton has instructed Aston Villa to lock down Douglas Luiz to a new deal as “soon as possible” in light of the ongoing transfer rumors around him.
With the exception of a heartbreaking penalty miss against Olympiacos, the Brazilian has been in outstanding form under Unai Emery this season, helping Villa finish in the Premier League’s top four with nine goals and five assists.
According to reports, Luiz was expected to receive a lucrative new contract offer from Villa Park [Dean Jones, 14 April]. However, as of right now, no new agreement has been reached, and clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal are still being mentioned as possible summer transfer destinations [Express, 28 April].
Although Hutton acknowledges that he would be excited to see the 25-year-old put pen to paper, he maintains that there would have been “chats” on a new contract and that he plans to sign at the end of the Premier League season.
As soon as feasible, that’s when I would like to do it, Hutton told Villa News.
He has, in my opinion, been a crucial member of the squad for a number decades
“Yes, he takes chances but he takes the ball off of the back four, he’s willing to turn and link the play, his set plays, everything that he brings to the team is positive so I think to tie him down now would be excellent.
“I’m pretty sure there have been chats. Even if doesn’t happen between now and the end of the season, they’ve probably said let’s get the season over with and then we’ll sign the contract.
“I don’t see it being a problem and hopefully he stays.”
Will Aston Villa keep Douglas Luiz in the transfer window amid Liverpool and Arsenal interest?
As Hutton suggests, Villa will have already had discussions with Luiz over extending his contract given his excellent performances so far this season, therefore, fans shouldn’t be worried that no announcement has yet been made.
Emery and his recruitment team will be doing all that they can to keep their best talents like Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Luiz at Villa Park beyond the end of the season as they prepare for a Champions League campaign.
When the new season begins, hopefully all three of them will still be wearing claret and blue, but it won’t be simple to hold off some of the biggest teams in the Premier League. Perhaps the only way to avoid interest is to sign new contracts.
Fans shouldn’t have to wait too long for an update regarding Luiz’s future, good or bad. An announcement is expected soon.
