Manchester City are set to trigger a £25 million buy-back clause for former player Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian was signed from Vasco da Gama for £10 million in 2017 but didn't make a single competitive appearance for City, having twice been loaned out to sister club Girona before he was sold to Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £15 million.
Luiz impressed in his first season in the Premier League, making 42 appearances in all competitions as Villa avoided relegation on the final day.
After reportedly pocketing £1 million due to Villa staying up, City are keen on bringing Luiz back to the Etihad Stadium as per Globo Esporte.
When at City, the 22-year old was unable to secure a work permit - much to the frustration of Pep Guardiola - and so he never got a proper opportunity at the Blues.
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However, fast forward to now and the situation appears to have changed. Luiz was successful in securing a permit after putting pen to paper at Villa, while the Birmingham Mail say he now has a two-year VISA, a provisional license and also passed an English exam two months back.
He's also become a full Brazil international, having made his debut for the Selecao in a 3-0 win over South Korea in November.
Well aware of his abilities and potential to improve, City rather smartly placed a buy-back clause in the deal that took him to Villa Park and might just have a ready-made replacement for fellow Brazilian Fernandinho, who is not getting any younger at 35.
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Despite already drafting in Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake from Valencia and Bournemouth respectively, City are on the hunt for further reinforcements following a poor title defence and another disappointing Champions League quarter final exit.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Football News, Aston Villa, Football, Pep Guardiola