According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa could approve the sale of Diego Carlos in January.
The Villans are eager to improve their defensive options and have identified Diego Carlos as a player they can cash in to fund a signing in this area of the pitch. Since arriving in a £26 million deal from Sevilla in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian has managed just 52 appearances in an Aston Villa shirt, due to a long-term injury he sustained shortly after signing for the club.
The 31-year-old has featured 11 times this season to date but has started just four Premier League games. The aforementioned report adds Villa boss Unai Emery has not been happy with Carlos’ displays this term and is open to moving him on during the upcoming transfer window.
With that said, let us take a look at the three Premier League clubs who should explore the option of signing the Villa defender.
#Fulham
Fulham had expressed an interest in signing Carlos during the past summer transfer window but didn’t make an official offer to Villa.
Having lost Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer to Chelsea before the start of the 2024/25 season, the Cottagers could do well to reignite their interest in Carlos. Strong in the air and tenacious in the challenge, the Brazilian would be a good option to Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey.
The 31-year-old has the tools to succeed under Marco Silva and help Fulham achieve a top-half finish in the Premier League.
#Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s defensive options have been stretched at times this season, with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman out with serious knee injuries since March.
Carlos emerges as an attractive candidate to enhance the Magpies’ defensive stability, whilst providing competition for places among the likes of Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lloyd Kelly. The Villa man’s experience in the Premier League, coupled with his passing ability from the back, could make him a valuable signing for Eddie Howe’s side that harbours hopes of securing a top-four spot in the Premier League.
#Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town has leaked goals at an alarming rate since securing promotion to the top flight this year. With 22 goals conceded in 11 games, they have the joint-third worst defensive record in the division.
Thus, the Tractor Boys certainly require some defensive reinforcements to stem the flow of goals. A defender with Premier League experience would fit the bill perfectly, making Villa’s Carlos a strong option. The ex-Sevilla star’s inclusion could address Ipswich’s defensive vulnerabilities while providing them with a leader.
All in all, the Brazilian represents an attractive, cost-effective option for Kieran McKenna’s side, whose first and foremost priority will be to retain their Premier League status at any cost.
