Leicester City have reportedly agreed on a deal to sign Real Betis defensive midfielder William Carvalho.
The Portuguese international has suffered numerous injuries in the 2019-20 season, and has subsequently played just nine times for the club in the Spanish league.
According to Marca, the Premier League side have agreed to personal terms with the 28-year-old, and have to only negotiate a fee for him with Betis. Daily Mail have claimed that he could be bought for a fee of around £14 million.
Carvalho moved to the Spanish side from Sporting Lisbon in 2018, with Betis buying 75% of the player’s rights for around €16 million. The Marca report states that Betis would have had to pay €10 million to buy the rest of the rights.
Carvalho has made 59 appearances for the Portuguese national team, and is an important part of the national set-up.
William Carvalho to Leicester City – A good move by Rodgers?
A few years ago, William Carvalho was the talk of the town, linked with moves to several big clubs in Europe. He had a decent debut season with Betis, but injuries have not been kind to him this season.
SEVILLE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 09: Sergi Roberto of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with William Carvalho of Real Betis Balompie during the Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and FC Barcelona at Estadio Benito Villamarin on February 09, 2020 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Carvalho is a solid defensive midfielder who has great awareness and senses danger quickly to make important tackles and clearances. The 28-year-old averaged 1.5 tackles last season in La Liga for Betis.
He is a good passer of the ball too and rarely gives it away, and managed a pass completion rate of 89% last year. He likes to keep the ball moving with his short and long passes, and is a player who can help link the midfield and attack.
The Portuguese midfielder is adept at making driving runs from his own half to the opposition box, and would offer Leicester more strength in midfield.
Carvalho’s versatility means he can play as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder, and the Portuguese has also featured in a centre back role. The 6’2″ player is a strong presence defensively.
The 28-year old would be a very good addition to the Leicester City squad, adding depth and experience to the team. He could be an alternate option for Wilfred Ndidi in defensive midfield.
The likes of Daniel Amartey, Matty James and Nampalys Mendy may not have a future at the club as they have not been able to impress, so signing Carvalho would be a big upgrade.
Stats via Whoscored