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Tonali – Douglas Luiz swap deal?

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2025

Once again, the Italian media are at it this time suggesting a potential swap deal between Newcastle United and Juventus involving Sandro Tonali and Douglas Luiz.

Gazzetta Dello Sport is the latest outlet to fuel speculation, claiming that Juventus could use their “good relations” with Newcastle to negotiate a move for Tonali.

According to their report on April 2, 2025, Juventus’ signing of Lloyd Kelly in the winter transfer window has strengthened ties between the clubs, potentially paving the way for future business including a deal for Tonali.

The proposed deal Sandro Tonali – Douglas Luiz

Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Juventus would need to pay at least €60-70 million for Tonali but hope to lower that cost by offering Douglas Luiz in return.

The valuation given to Luiz is reportedly between €35-40 million, making it seem like a straight swap with a minor cash adjustment.

However, when looking at the numbers, the claim seems questionable. Douglas Luiz only joined Juventus from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 for around €51 million (£43 million), while Newcastle paid AC Milan €58.9 million (£50 million) for Sandro Tonali in 2023.

If the proposed deal were to go ahead, Juventus would effectively acquire Tonali for around £18 million plus Douglas Luiz, a deal that seems far-fetched.

Déjà Vu from the Italian press?

This isn’t the first time such rumors have surfaced. Similar speculation arose in January 2025, when Italian outlet Calciomercato suggested that Newcastle might consider a straight swap between Tonali and Luiz.

Their argument was that Tonali was no longer viewed as “essential” by Eddie Howe, despite the player himself expressing commitment to Newcastle on multiple occasions.

At the time, Calciomercato argued that the swap would benefit both clubs, Newcastle getting a midfielder with proven Premier League experience, while Juventus secured a key asset for their midfield.