Douglas Luiz - back home on loan

[Smithy]

I'd be keeping hoim too.  We know theres a terrific footballer in there once his confidence is back.  Perfect squad player for us imo.

The other, perhaps important point, is that he's been there and had a look at the grass on the other side.  He knows what he's got here.  So at 27 we're likely to get 3 or 4 of his peak years, without worrying if he's going to have his head turned.

If the finances are right, and his wages aren't too much of a problem, I'd definitely take him.  We know he's good enough for a team chasing champions league places, and if we evolve further in the next 2 or 3 years so that he's only a bit-part player - so be it!

[Garyth]

it's the drop-off between first-pick players and the back-up that is the current problem.

Yeah. Playing in the CL requires those back-ups to be top tier, whereas in the Europa we've been able to get away with it.

I think Bogarde has it in him to become a solid PL midfielder, but at the level we're playing at that may not be enough - a little bit sad given he's from the academy, but the pool of talent that improves our first team is becoming smaller as we have improved... If he'd come through while we were in Championship or in lower regions of the Premier League, he'd be a starter and we'd be talking up his quality.

[LeeB]

I dont think we'll commit what is still for us a sizeable transfer fee on someone who's going to be a back up to all intents and purposes, more likely to see us look at a free or a Barkley style bargain in that area, any money will go on further up the pitch.

[eye digress]

I was a fan too in his first phase with us. But personally, I’ve not yet seen that flame rekindled.

His appearance record for us was very good, and I get the feeling that he’s a player who finds form when he plays a lot and regularly.

[Ian.]

I hope he stays, he's a great player to have if needed and knows the club. A decent pre-season and get him back fully fit and he's worth buying.

[Percy McCarthy]

^^ My thoughts too.

[PaulWinch again]

Yup and £20 million odd if we’re in the Champions League makes complete sense.

[olaftab]

If it's a choice between Luiz and Barkley it has to be Barkley.

[Dave]

If it's a choice between Luiz and Barkley it has to be Barkley.

That isn't the choice though. For next year it's Douglas Luiz and Barkley, or, more likely someone else and Barkley.

[Dante Lavelli]

If it's a choice between Luiz and Barkley it has to be Barkley.

Funny how people see things completely differently. I’m Team Luiz where quality is concerned.

However Barkley might be a better bridge to say Hemmings whereas Luiz could be a blocker, given his younger age and the longer contract (if signed permanently). Depends how good the youngsters are I suppose, and how much cash we have.

[brontebilly]

If it's a choice between Luiz and Barkley it has to be Barkley.

Barkley is 5 years older.

[Dave]

Still hope he stays. Feels increasingly unlikely that he will.

If he's not replacing Tielemans after an hour tonight, he's clearly not someone we're planning to drop £20m on.

[PaulWinch again]

Yup - strange as well

[PeterWithesShin]

For all we can talk about the financial restraints we have to operate under we don't help ourselves. Malen lasted a year, Guessand 6 months, Elliot 6 mins, we barely play Luiz and Tammy. And that is just from the last 3 windows.

[Toronto Villa]

For all we can talk about the financial restraints we have to operate under we don't help ourselves. Malen lasted a year, Guessand 6 months, Elliot 6 mins, we barely play Luiz and Tammy. And that is just from the last 3 windows.

The odd signing aside our transfer policy in the Emery years has been borderline disastrous.