Credit: Getty Images / Sky Sports via YouTube

Ben Palmer

Wed 6 August 2025 17:15, UK

Nottingham Forest’s head of football Edu’s ties to Douglas Luiz’s agent may be key to getting a deal done for the Juventus midfielder.

Juventus' response to new Everton offer for Douglas Luiz revealed	'Nottingham Forest given clear path to Douglas Luiz after Everton update'	West Ham 'to seal Douglas Luiz coup' as Nottingham Forest shortlist Salzburg star

Edu decided to leave his post at Arsenal last November and was recruited by Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis to become the global head of football for the Greek businessman’s footballing operations.

The Brazilian former midfielder was appointed as the Gunners’ first-ever technical director in 2019, and then became the club’s first-ever sporting director in 2022.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s stats in the 2024/25 season.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Nottingham Forest fans were livid at Edu earlier in the window after Tottenham triggered Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause.

But with the England international having since signed an extension to his contract, the former Arsenal man will be looking to improve his standing with the club’s supporters this summer by leveraging a relationship with a super agent to sign Luiz, according to The Athletic.

Luiz has been out in the cold at Juventus this summer, with the Old Lady desperate to move on from the former Aston Villa man.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Signed last summer, the Brazil international proved to be an expensive mistake, starting just three matches as the Italian giants scraped their way to Champions League qualification.

Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider exclusively that West Ham and Nottingham Forest were battling to sign Douglas Luiz this summer.

Douglas Luiz has struggled since leaving Aston Villa.

And as reported by The Athletic, the Tricky Trees are weighing up a “potential club-record transfer” for the former Villa midfielder.

Forest will be boosted in their pursuit of Luiz as Edu has a strong relationship with super agent Kia Joorabchian, who represents the 27-year-old.

Football Insider Verdict

Edu’s strong ties in the footballing world may prove useful not only for incomings, but also outgoings this summer.

Forest are preparing to compete on four fronts this upcoming season, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad could do with some depth.

The starting line-up is the best that the Tricky Trees have put together this century, but they will be tested with the additional fixtures next season.

Signing Luiz would allow Forest to part ways with an expensive mistake of their own.

Douglas Luiz’s arrival may see Ibrahim Sangare leave Nottingham Forest.

Ibrahim Sangare remains a talented player, but injuries have hampered his ability to show that for his side.

Rennes made a move to sign the Ivory Coast international on loan in the winter transfer window, but the midfielder turned down the move in a bid to fight for his place at the club.

Whilst not the highest earner, Sangare likely fits in the upper bracket at the City Ground in that regard, and removing his wages from the books this summer could unlock further moves to strengthen Santo’s side.

Related Posts


For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.