Aston Villa were genuinely shocked Manchester City didn’t sign their £15m player last summer

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Aston Villa were reportedly surprised that Manchester City didn’t take up their option to sign Douglas Luiz last summer. 

That’s according to The Athletic, with the outlet claiming that Aston Villa were even planning for life without the Brazilian.

Villa snapped up Douglas Luiz from City for a fee worth £15 million back in 2019 and the midfielder has gone from strength to strength after leaving Manchester.

The 25-year-old has received interest from the likes of Arsenal in the past, while Tottenham are also said to be interested in signing him.

Luiz has starred for Villa under Unai Emery this season and it’s no surprise to see him attracting admiring glances from top sides.

And a fresh report claims that Villa were surprised they managed to keep hold of him last summer.

Villa shocked City didn’t re-sign Luiz

The Athletic reports that Villa rejected four bids from Arsenal for Luiz back in August last year.

But it’s noted they also ‘waited nervously’ for City to take up their option to buy the midfielder back.

Indeed, Villa were even planning for life without Luiz as they snapped up Morgan Sanson in January 2021.

The Villains had planned to invest further into the midfield once City paid the £30 million clause to re-sign Luiz, but a move failed to materialise.

Of course, Luiz put pen to paper on a new deal with Villa in November last year and ended any speculation over a return to City.

But he remains an attractive option for top sides in the Premier League and his incredible start to the season will only ramp up any interest.

Nevertheless, Luiz seems more than settled at Villa Park at the moment and is enjoying life under Emery.

He’s had a hand in six goals in 10 Premier League appearances so far this season, with Villa currently sitting in fifth place.

The Villains look capable of achieving something big under Emery this season and it would be a surprise to see Luiz jump ship anytime soon.