Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has conceded that reported Liverpool target Douglas Luiz could leave the club today.
Speaking via Birmingham Live after Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last night, Gerrard admitted that he wasn’t ‘in control’ of the situation.
“I’m not in control of that [Luiz leaving]. There’s two people, well, there’s more than two people who are in control of that, but I’m certainly not one of them. That will be Douglas, that will be his agent and that will be what happens around that,” said the Liverpool legend.
“I’d like to keep him, he’s a fantastic player, I’ve made that abundantly clear. We are not in a position where we need to lose our top players, but at the same time Douglas has a year to go and it is one of them really touchy situations where the club has to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me.”
Luiz one to watch on deadline day
Gerrard’s admission here makes it pretty clear that Luiz’s future is far from resolved as deadline day is upon us.
That didn’t stop the Brazilian playing his part at the Emirates last night, though. Luiz didn’t start the game, but after coming on in the second-half, equalised direct from a corner.
It was the second time in a week that the 24-year-old had scored with a corner kick. A pretty nice party trick – he’s definitely Brazilian alright.
Whether or not Liverpool decide to make a late play for Luiz will become clear over the course of the day.
Following reports in Brazil that Liverpool had made a £20m bid for him, Sky Sports reported this morning that one of four clubs will move for Luiz today.
The four clubs in question are Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
While Chelsea’s midfield situation is also pretty desperate right now, Liverpool can’t afford to let a target get away at this late stage. If they really do want Luiz, they have to make absolutely sure they secure him.
Reds fans had began last week with hope of a late deal for the likes of Frenkie de Jong or Nicolo Barella. Not to do him down, but bringing in a player who is no longer a starter for Villa is a bit of a comedown. If Liverpool go for him though, we’ll back him all the same.
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