Manchester United could reportedly be offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer as part of a deal which would see Rasmus Hojlund make the move to the Turin giants.
There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Hojlund’s future, with the Denmark international potentially leaving Old Trafford during this summer’s transfer window.
A difficult 2024-25 campaign has seen the 22-year-old only manage nine goals and four assists in 47 appearances in all competitions, and Man United could sell him to make space for a new forward this summer.
Hojlund’s stock in Italy remains high due to the promise that he showed at Atalanta BC ahead of a switch to Man United, and according to Tuttosport, Juventus are contenders for the striker.
The report claims that Napoli are also keen, but the Old Lady could offer Luiz as part of the deal, with Man United thought to have a long-standing interest in the central midfielder.
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Man United ‘could swap Hojlund for Luiz’
Luiz famously joined Manchester City from Vasco da Gama in 2017, but he failed to make a first-team appearance for the Citizens and joined Aston Villa permanently in 2019 after a successful loan spell with Girona.
The 26-year-old was an excellent performer for Villa, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in 204 appearances, but he was surprisingly allowed to make the move to Juventus during last summer’s transfer window.
The Brazilian has featured on 24 occasions for the Old Lady this term, but he has found it difficult to show his best form, and an exit during this summer’s transfer window is thought to be possible.
Nottingham Forest are also believed to be considering making a move for Luiz, but Juve’s interest in Hojlund could lead to a swap deal being agreed with the 20-time English champions.
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Do Man United need another central midfielder?
Man United’s priority for the summer market is to improve their attack, with at least two players set to arrive in that area, while head coach Ruben Amorim is also believed to want a new number one goalkeeper.
The Red Devils are relatively well-stocked in central midfield, but Kobbie Mainoo is viewed by Amorim as a number 10 rather than a player capable of featuring in a midfield two, while Christian Eriksen is set to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Casemiro‘s recent form has been excellent, and the Brazilian could now stay for one more season, but there is a need for a new central midfielder with energy and quality on the ball, and Luiz certainly fits the brief.
The 20-time English champions should demand money plus Luiz for Hojlund, though, as a straight swap would not be a particularly strong deal for Man United, especially considering that they need to make sales in order to invest in their squad this summer.
