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Douglas Luiz enters new contract talks with Juventus as Neto returns

·By Junior Yekini
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Douglas Luiz enters new contract talks with Juventus as Neto returns

Juventus/X.com

Douglas Luiz has gone from seemingly being outside Juventus' plans to becoming an undisputed starter under Luciano Spalletti, while the club has also moved to bring back goalkeeper Norberto Neto.

Douglas Luiz has gone from seemingly being outside Juventus' plans to becoming an undisputed starter under Luciano Spalletti, while the club has also moved to bring back goalkeeper Norberto Neto.

The 28-year-old midfielder spent last season away from Turin, joining Nottingham Forest during the first half of the campaign before moving to Aston Villa for the second half.

His situation has changed significantly since Spalletti took charge. Luiz has started all six matches played by Juventus so far this season and is now firmly part of the club's plans.

According to Nicolò Schira, representatives of Luiz and Juventus are negotiating an extension to his current contract, which runs until June 2029.

The talks represent a significant change in direction for a player who appeared to have little future at the club after being sent out on loan last season. Juventus now want to retain Luiz as part of their long-term planning.

The club is also preparing to welcome back Neto, who will return to Turin for a medical before signing a contract until June 2027.

The Brazilian goalkeeper previously played for Juventus between 2015 and 2017, making 22 appearances and conceding 15 goals during his first spell with the club.

Neto's return comes after Juventus suffered a serious injury to goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, who is expected to be sidelined for several months following a cruciate ligament injury.

The experienced goalkeeper is expected to provide an immediate solution between the posts, although Juventus could still consider signing another reserve goalkeeper in January depending on how the situation develops.

While Neto provides short-term cover in goal, Luiz's resurgence offers Juventus a longer-term boost in midfield.

After spending last season in England, the Brazilian has quickly established himself as an important player under Spalletti and could now extend his stay in Turin.