Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli has reportedly offered Manchester United and Manchester City the chance to sign struggling midfield duo Douglas Luiz and Nicolo Fagioli.
According to a report by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Douglas Luiz might return to the Premier League next year, while Nicolo Fagioli might join him in the English top flight. Cristiano Giuntoli is eager to offload Juventus’s struggling midfield duo, with the Serie A club’s technical director offering the pair to Manchester United and Manchester City.
Douglas Luiz, Nicolo Fagioli and their woes
Douglas Luiz has struggled to make his mark since joining Juventus from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has started only two games this season, managing 312 minutes of game time across nine appearances in all competitions. While fitness issues have played a part, the former Aston Villa midfielder has struggled to stamp his authority at the Serie A club.
As for Nicolo Fagioli, the 23-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup since breaking into the first-team squad at Juventus a few years ago. A native of Piacenza, the Italian midfielder has been with the Serie A giants since July 2015 and has only made gradual progress in the near-decade he has spent with the Bianconeri.
Fagioli has also served a seven-month ban for violating anti-betting rules, returning to action towards the end of the 2023/24 season. However, the Italian midfielder faces an uncertain future after falling in the pecking order. The academy graduate and Luiz might soon land in the Premier League, with Cristiano Giuntoli offering them to Manchester United and Manchester City.
Premier League moves on the horizon?
Manchester United and Manchester City can do with a player like Douglas Luiz, although Nicolo Fagioli is not good enough to be a viable target yet. While the Red Devils want to sign a long-term replacement for Casemiro next year, the Premier League champions need a top-class alternative to Rodri.
So, Luiz can become a viable target for Manchester United and Manchester City. However, Giuntoli might need his marketing hat on to sell Fagioli to the two Premier League heavyweights, considering their other midfield options.
Meanwhile, recent reports have suggested that a fairytale return to Aston Villa is not on the cards for Luiz. However, it will be interesting to see if the Brazilian international and Fagioli end their stints with Serie A giants Juventus to move to the Premier League next year.
