Author: Amrit Santlani
Brazilian defender David Luiz could be on the move once again, as Al-Ettifaq, from the Saudi Pro League, and Besiktas, from Turkey, are interested in signing the defender. Although Luiz’s current contract with Serie A side Flamengo runs until the end of 2023, the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender has opened the door to a return to Europe.
Although the transfer window has closed in many European countries, the Turkish window remains open until September 15 and in Saudi Arabia it will close on September 20, giving the two interested clubs the chance to test Luiz’s resolve. According to reports, the 36-year-old turned down the chance to play for Al-Ettifaq, rejecting the chance to reunite with former Flamengo striker Vitinho.
The offer from Besiktas was more tempting, however, it is known that the Luiz family is well settled in Rio de Janeiro and therefore the player himself would be very comfortable fulfilling the remainder of his contract with Flamengo. The Turkish club also recently announced the signing of Eric Baily, who is out of Manchester United.
For those who don’t know, the proposal received by Luiz was evaluated by the player and his team, and Flamengo didn’t have access to it. Although the experienced defender wants to stay in his country, he has opened the door to a possible return to Europe, should a good offer materialize.
Luiz has made 35 appearances for Flamengo this season, starting 31 games under Jorge Sampaoli. In total, David has made 94 appearances for the club since joining in 2021, with 54 wins, 21 draws and 19 defeats since then. The Brazilian defender also won the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil in 2022.
Flamengo’s number 23 began his career in soccer at São Paulo, before making his debut for Vitinha’s first team, and then went to Europe, representing Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, before returning to his home country.
The player has also been capped 57 times for the Brazilian national team and has scored three goals.