Roma, managed by José Mourinho, showed strong interest in acquiring Douglas Luiz. However, due to financial considerations and the player's contract expiration, they eventually opted for other targets.

The yellow-reds then turned to other targets and in those tiles Renato Sanches arrived from Paris Saint Germain. But José Mourinho and the yellow-reds had put the player in the radar of the expiring midfield of the Birmingham team. He was a starter with Steven Gerrard, Chelsea was interested but due to the figures the yellow-reds decided to abandon the opportunity.