Two-time UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea are weighing up a move to sign Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old joined Nottingham Forest on loan during the summer transfer window but his lack of minutes at the City Ground, considering they’ve had Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and now Sean Dyche at the helm of affairs, has made Juventus consider a recall in the January transfer window, but Chelsea want to chip in.
According to The Athletic, the Blues view Luiz as a strong tactical fit and believe his experience and technical quality could provide valuable depth as they push for a top-four finish. Chelsea are said to be exploring the possibility of taking over the midfielder’s loan deal until the summer.
Despite arriving at the City Ground with high expectations, the Brazil international has found minutes hard to come by under manager Sean Dyche.
However, his lack of minutes might not exactly be down to midfielder’s form or ability, but Forest’s tactical positioning in the transfer market.
The Reds are obligated to sign Luiz permanently if he features in another 15 matches for 45 minutes or more. With that clause on the cards, the club are understood to be uncertain about committing to a full transfer, prompting Juventus to explore alternative solutions.
Dyche has often preferred Ryan Yates in midfield, even when Ibrahim Sangaré or Elliot Anderson were unavailable, leaving Luiz on the fringes despite being fit and available. The situation became even more puzzling during Sangaré’s absence at the AFCON 2025 tournament, when the Brazilian still struggled to secure consistent minutes.
As a result, Juventus are keen to strike a deal that allows the ex-Aston Villa midfielder to gain regular football elsewhere, rather than risk a stalled development and an uncertain permanent outcome at Forest. Chelsea have now emerged as a serious contender, with the London club monitoring the situation closely.
His experience in the Premier League makes him an attractive short-term solution. Also, the deal would be seen as a low-risk, low-cost move to add depth and quality until the summer, as Liam Rosenior’s side juggle domestic and European ambitions.
