Expert: Leeds told to pull the plug on signing big name - 'he doesn't work hard enough'
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 2 June 2026 13:06, UK Douglas Luiz has emerged as a transfer target for Leeds United as he eyes a return to the Premier League after leaving Aston Villa.The 28-year-old will return to his parent club Juventus after Unai Emery’s side opted against signing him permanently following a short-term loan spell.Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his midfield this summer, and the Brazil international’s experience in English football has placed him firmly on their radar.However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Leeds should have reservations about pursuing Luiz after his Aston Villa spell.Juventus are keen to shift Luiz from their books this summer, while Villa opted against signing him, and the red flags are there as Leeds accelerate their transfer plans. 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Leeds make a move to sign Douglas Luiz?Brown told Football Insider last summer that Leeds were interested in signing Luiz and had made contact with Juventus over the possibility of a deal.After Leeds missed out, he spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest, he was sent back to Juventus, before returning to Aston Villa and being sent back again.Douglas Luiz StatsAston VillaNottingham ForestAppearances2014Starts1011Minutes Played881710Douglas Luiz’s appearance stats in the 2025-26 season.
(via Transfermarkt)Despite enjoying plenty of success during his first spell at Villa Park, concerns have emerged about the midfielder, and Leeds have been urged not to do a deal.“Leeds are looking at a number of new midfielders,” Brown told Football Insider.“So it’s no surprise Douglas Luiz is somebody they’re considering, because he has experience playing in the Premier League and was quite highly-regarded.“I have to admit, I’ve never been his biggest fan, even during his first spell at Aston Villa I had concerns about his application and work-rate on the pitch.“He’s a bit of a luxury player, a top passer of the ball, but he doesn’t put in the work in midfield to win the ball back, he waits for others to do it for him.“Aston Villa found that out and were happy to move him on, he went to Forest and the same thing happened, then back to Villa and they’re not keeping him.“So he’s a big name and somebody I’m sure will be on Leeds’ radar, but if I was part of their recruitment team, I would be advising against it.”Which other midfielders are on Leeds’ radar?Despite showing an initial interest in a deal, Luiz is far from the only midfielder on Leeds’ radar as they aim to bolster the position when the window opens.Farke has spoken publicly to demand the board back him, and they are now gearing up for a busy transfer window, with multiple key targets being considered.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 2 June that Leeds are interested in signing Yunus Musah as he prepares to return to AC Milan following a loan spell at Atalanta.Scouts have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s situation, while they had hoped to track him at the World Cup, but he was left out of the USA squad.Musah is firmly on Leeds’ radar and could link up with his international teammate Brendan Aaronson at Elland Road should a deal be completed. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.