Aston Villa finalize Douglas Luiz signing

Today one midfielder is reportedly coming in and now a different one is confirmed. Welcome to Aston Villa Douglas Luiz.

The reports of this signing have been all over the papers and blogs -- everyone expected it to get over the line and now not has.

Douglas arrives from Manchester City after heading out on loan because of work permit issues. Villa seem confident that the price (reportedly 15 million pounds), his involvement with the Brazil youth teams, and the potential playing time will make the difference with the permit.

The 21-year-old stressed his leadership ability when speaking to the club after the transfer, “I hope I can be a leader in the team. I hope I can help by bringing the ball out from the back and, although I don’t speak a lot of English, I hope I can help out by shouting orders from the back and live up to all the expectations as best as I can.”

I love such a young kid wanting to take the role of defensive midfielder so seriously. If he does live up to the expectations — he can slot right into the midfield and allow his partners (presumably Grealish and McGinn) the freedom to venture forward and create chances. This would send Hourihane to the bench which is harsh on him but this is the Premiere League. Choices have to be made and Luiz allows a different midfield set up compared to last year.

Dean Smith seems excited about the news, “Douglas is an extremely talented young player with an outstanding pedigree who I am sure will fit nicely into our style and system of play.”