Tottenham now have clear opportunity to sign player who can ‘do everything Rice can do and better’
Tottenham have now got a clear road to signing a holding midfielder as they look to strengthen that position this summer. Thomas Frank and the Spurs recruitment staff still have a lot of work ahead of them, with just one player signed so far.
Mohammed Kudus has been snapped up, and while Morgan Gibbs-White is a clear target, there are legal issues holding up that particular deal. Spurs will still be working on that, but they will also be scouring the market for other targets.
Frank has a number of areas he needs to strengthen this summer, with the attack in need of improving, while the holding midfield role will also be a point of emphasis. Spurs were not particularly consistent in the heart of their midfield last summer, with Ange Postecoglou struggling to get the best out of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
One alternative is Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is now pushing for a move away from Turin due to a fallout, and he is said to want a Premier League return. Fabrizio Romano has posted on X: “Douglas Luiz wants to go back to Premier League this summer as priority. His relationship with Juventus is broken and he will surely leave. Agent now in Italy to assess all options.”
Luiz joined Villa on a deal worth around £44.9million back in 2024 after spending around five years with Aston Villa, making 175 league appearances. He now looks set to be available, and Juventus might just have to take a hit on their investment given the circumstances.
Speaking recently about Luiz’s situation, Villa sporting chief Monchi said: “He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong playe. There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve. He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant once said of Luiz on talkSPORT: “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.
“I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”
It will be interesting to see if Tottenham now make their move for Luiz, given their need for a number six and the lack of available options. Luiz is available, but that will likely sound the alarms for a number of clubs.
