Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has praised Douglas Luiz’s professionalism amid doubts over his future but there was no suggestion a new contract is close to being agreed.
Luiz, 24, will see his current contract expire next summer, and there have been no developments thus far to give the impression that he is close to agreeing new terms.
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The Brazilian international has been a key figure for Villa in recent years and is part of the group that has travelled to Australia for our pre-season tour, where he has featured in both games thus far.
That would suggest that he is settled and part of Gerrard’s plans for the new campaign, but ultimately there are still question marks hanging over his future and that won’t change until he puts pen to paper.
Gerrard has provided some insight on the latest situation, and it does seem as though the door is still open for an exit this summer for Luiz.
Gerrard on Douglas Luiz
“He’s playing well, he’s working hard. We totally respect Douglas’s situation, I love him as a player,” he told BirminghamLive. “He’s been absolutely fine and professional. There’s no issues from me. We’ll play that one by ear week to week but, yeah, there’s nothing really to say because we haven’t had an offer and, at the moment, he’s got a year left. He’s been professional, he’s smiling and he’s enjoying it and we roll forward.”
While it could be the case that Gerrard merely didn’t want to divulge too much information and will keep his, and the club’s, discussions with Luiz private, his comments do suggest that they will listen to offers if any arrive, and so Luiz could yet move on this summer if their demands are met.
It’s positive to hear that the Brazilian midfielder is still focused and being professional, and it’s hoped that remains the case moving forward up until he decides to move on, if that is the eventual outcome.
Based on the comments from the Villa boss above, it could be argued that Luiz may well have communicated that he doesn’t wish to sign a contract extension at this time, and so if the club do receive an acceptable offer, he will be given the opportunity to move on.
If not, he could see out his contract and leave next summer, or there is of course the third option whereby he continues at Villa this season and there is a possibility that he eventually pens a new contract at some stage during the campaign.
Time will tell what happens. Luiz remains a Villa player for now but until he signs a new deal, there will be ongoing doubts over his long-term future at Villa.
