Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Premier League • England

Pundit urges Newcastle to raid Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz, with Brazilian backed to ‘excel’

Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz

Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz

Kevin Campbell thinks Newcastle United should sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa this summer.

Luiz made 35 appearances for Aston Villa last season, registering two goals and three assists from central midfield. He was a regular under both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard, missing just five games all campaign.

But reports suggest Aston Villa could sell Luiz this summer. He is one of the players who is at risk as Gerrard continues to make the squad his own and bring in top-quality stars.

The Brazil international’s contract at Villa Park runs until June 2023. That means this summer would be the ideal time for Villa to sell, so they can get a good fee.

Thanks to their hugely rich owners, Newcastle have the funds to sign players such as Luiz, who transfermarkt value at £34.2million.

And Campbell believes capturing the 24-year-old would help Newcastle in their pursuit of a top-six finish.

During an interview with Football Insider, the former Arsenal striker said: “I like Douglas Luiz.

“He is a strong player and is somebody who is young but Premier League proven.

Campbell delivers verdict on Douglas Luiz to Newcastle

“It is about the squad though. Newcastle are looking to be that team who step up and challenge for European spots etc. If you are going to be that team you need a squad. They have not had the squad.

“There was a real lack of investment previously. They have got the new ownership now and Eddie Howe, who has done a brilliant job so far.

“Douglas Luiz is a player who could really go up there and excel. He is one of those guys who is a seven out of 10 every week.

“He’d be a great option alongside [Bruno] Guimaraes.”

Luiz is certainly a player of Premier League quality who would improve Howe’s options. Plus, he is a Brazil team-mate of Guimaraes’, so they could form a great partnership at St James’ Park.

However, Villa would need some convincing to sell to another English club. Especially when both Newcastle and Villa have the same aims – to quality for Europe in the next few years.

Meanwhile, Sven Botman has spoken about his decision to join Newcastle instead of Serie A champions AC Milan.