Aston Villa confirm signing of Brazilian starlet Douglas Luiz

The 21-year-old Brazilian becomes the club’s 10th signing of the summer and takes their spending past the £100million mark, though the deal remains subject to a work permit.

Luiz did not make an appearance in two seasons with City, due to the Premier League champions inability to obtain after signing him from Vasco De Gama for £10million.

Villa, however, are confident they will be successful due to the number of appearances Luiz is expected to make this season. City are thought to have inserted a buy-back clause in the deal.

“Today is a really happy moment in my life and career,” said Luiz.

“I’ve got another chance to play in the Premier League. I’m really happy to have signed today and that it’s the start of something great.

“I hope to repay the faith in me as best I can.

“I have a strong faith in God, therefore I think everything is done at his pace.

“So the fact I didn’t make my debut in the last two years (in the Premier League) is because I wasn’t ready.

“Right now I’m confident that, God willing, I can shine.

“So I hope I cannot just talk the talk but walk the walk. That is my main aim.

“I came here to learn but more than anything to dream big and be a leader on the pitch.”

Luiz, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Girona, is the Brazil under-21 captain and was named player of the tournament after leading them to victory at this summer’s Toulon Tournament.

He becomes the second Brazilian to sign for Villa during the current transfer window, following the club’s £22million record buy Wesley.

Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is set to be the next player through the door, after Villa agreed an £11million fee with Club Brugge.

Boss Dean Smith said: “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.”