Douglas Luiz has arrived back in Birmingham as he looks to put to rest the surprise speculation linking him with an Aston Villa exit.
The Brazilian international enjoyed a stunning end to the season, becoming an integral part of Dean Smith’s squad.
His form post-lockdown went a long way to securing Villa’s top-flight status, with survival confirmed on the final day of the campaign.
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It’s form that has led to intense speculation regarding his immediate future, in particular, a potential return to Manchester City.
Douglas only signed for Villa from City last summer, after Pep Guardiola failed to get a work permit for the midfield player. At the time, the City boss made it clear he would have preferred for him to stay at The Etihad, with the permit refusal frustrating him.
As part of the deal that saw him arrive on B6, Man City inserted a buy-back clause, that could be triggered for £25m.
Earlier this week, reports in Brazil had suggested Guardiola was poised to activate the clause, bringing him back to Manchester following their Champions League capitulation.
However, the Telegraph subsequently stated that Villa will keep Douglas, with the club ready to offer him a bumper, new contract.
He returned to the country on Tuesday, with Smith’s side set to kick-start pre-season training on Wednesday.
Ahead of his Bodymoor return, Douglas posted a picture of himself in his Birmingham property, with the caption ‘My House’.
And fans across social media think it is the clearest sign yet, that he will remain in the claret and blue next term.
One supporter said: “He’s 100% staying”, while another proclaimed, “Things you love to see”.
A third Villa fan posted: “I love that man”. With another simply posting: “He’s staying.”
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