Football’s glamour couple Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann could be headed for a geographical separation after reports emerged linking the Brazilian midfielder with a sensational return to the Premier League, potentially leaving his partner alone at Juventus.
According to Italian publication Calciomercato, Newcastle United and Juventus are exploring a potential swap deal that would see Luiz head to Tyneside while Sandro Tonali moves in the opposite direction. The proposed transfer would reunite Luiz with the English top flight just one season after his high-profile move to Turin.
The £42 million ($55 million) transfer that brought Luiz to Juventus last summer was notable not only for the substantial fee but also because it coincided with Lehmann’s move from Aston Villa to the Italian giants. The couple, who began dating while teammates at Villa, continued their relationship in Italy, becoming one of football’s most recognizable power couples.
However, while Swiss international Lehmann has flourished in Turin, Luiz has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for the Bianconeri. Despite making 22 appearances across all competitions this season, only six have been in the starting lineup, suggesting the Brazilian hasn’t fully convinced manager Thiago Motta of his capabilities.
This limited playing time appears to be the catalyst for a potential summer move, with Newcastle emerging as the most likely destination. The proposed swap deal involving Tonali presents an intriguing opportunity for both clubs, potentially solving problems on both sides.
Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for approximately £55 million ($70 million), has seen his time in England marred by a ten-month ban for breaching betting rules. The Italian midfielder is eligible to return to action in August 2024, but Newcastle may be willing to cut their losses and facilitate his return to Serie A.
For Juventus, acquiring Tonali would represent a significant coup, bringing in a highly-rated Italian international with proven Serie A experience. Meanwhile, Newcastle would gain a midfielder in Luiz who previously demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League during four seasons at Aston Villa.
The potential transfer creates an interesting personal situation for Luiz and Lehmann. Since becoming a couple, they have played for the same club – first at Aston Villa and then at Juventus. A move to Newcastle would mark the first time they would be based in different countries, presenting logistical challenges for their relationship.
Sources close to the couple suggest this aspect is a significant consideration in any potential transfer. They’ve built their relationship around being able to train at the same facilities and live in the same city,” said one insider. “A move to different countries would test their commitment, but they’re both professionals who understand the nature of football careers.”
Complicating matters further is the fact that Newcastle United Women currently compete in the FA Women’s National League North, the third tier of English women’s football. This presents a significant step down from Juventus Women, who compete in Serie A and the Champions League, making a parallel transfer for Lehmann highly unlikely.
The proposed deal has sparked considerable discussion among football analysts, with many questioning whether Luiz’s Premier League return would reignite his career after a disappointing spell in Italy.
Douglas Luiz was exceptional at Aston Villa, particularly in his final season before the move to Juventus,” noted one Premier League scout. His ability to progress the ball and control the tempo of matches would be valuable for Newcastle, who have lacked that type of midfielder since Tonali’s suspension.
Juventus supporters have expressed mixed feelings about the potential departure. While many acknowledge Luiz hasn’t justified his substantial transfer fee, others believe he hasn’t been given adequate opportunities to demonstrate his abilities. The possibility of acquiring Tonali, however, has generated excitement among the Bianconeri faithful.
For Newcastle, the deal represents an opportunity to strengthen their midfield with a proven Premier League performer while offloading a player whose time at the club has been overshadowed by off-field issues. Luiz’s experience and technical ability would complement the more defensively-minded Bruno Guimarães, potentially forming a formidable partnership in the Magpies’ engine room.
The timing of any potential deal remains uncertain, with both clubs likely to wait until the summer transfer window before making concrete moves. However, the foundations appear to be in place for what would be one of the most intriguing transfers of the upcoming window.
As for Luiz and Lehmann, they face the prospect of navigating their relationship across different countries if the transfer materializes. Given their status as one of football’s most prominent couples, any development in their personal situation will inevitably attract significant attention.
For now, both continue to focus on their respective seasons, with Lehmann enjoying regular playing time with Juventus Women while Luiz hopes for increased opportunities in the final months of the campaign. However, if his limited role persists, the likelihood of a summer departure will only increase, potentially separating one of football’s most celebrated partnerships.
