Brazilian center-back Diego Carlos has been a prominent figure in Aston Villa’s defense since joining the club in 2022. His €31 million transfer from Sevilla marked a significant investment, making him the second-most expensive center-half in Villa’s history, only surpassed by Pau Torres’ €33 million signing in 2023. However, Carlos’ tenure at Villa Park has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent performances, leading to speculation about his future.
Despite being a loyal servant to the team, Diego Carlos has struggled to cement his place as a regular starter in Aston Villa’s lineup. Over the past three seasons, injuries have sidelined the Brazilian for 35 games, limiting his ability to make a consistent impact. This season alone, Carlos has managed just 10 Premier League appearances, representing only 42% of Aston Villa’s total minutes played in the league.
With key players like Tyrone Mings returning from injury and Ezri Konsa delivering reliable performances, Carlos has often found himself on the bench. Even though Pau Torres is currently sidelined until March, Unai Emery appears prepared to let Carlos depart in the January transfer window.
Recent reports suggest that Turkish giants Fenerbahce are on the verge of signing Diego Carlos for a fee of €11 million. The Brazilian is expected to arrive in Turkey this Monday evening to finalize the deal. While Süper Lig rivals Galatasaray had previously expressed interest, they seem to have withdrawn from the race, leaving Fenerbahce in pole position to secure the experienced center-back.
If completed, this transfer would mark Fenerbahce’s first major signing of the January window, whereas Aston Villa have already been active. The Villains sold Jaden Philogene to Ipswich for €23.7 million and brought in forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for €25 million.
There are several reasons why Aston Villa might be willing to part ways with Diego Carlos during a critical phase of the season:
1. Limited Game Time
Carlos’ reduced involvement this season reflects a shift in Aston Villa’s defensive priorities. With Mings back from an ACL injury and performing well, Carlos has slipped down the pecking order. His inability to secure a starting role has made his position at the club untenable.
2. Injury History
Frequent injuries have hampered Carlos’ ability to perform consistently. Villa’s management may view his recurring fitness issues as a liability, especially in a demanding Premier League campaign.
3. Financial Considerations
While the €11 million transfer fee is significantly lower than the amount Aston Villa paid for Carlos, it represents a chance to recoup some of their investment. The funds could also be reinvested to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Aston Villa appears to be actively seeking a replacement for Diego Carlos. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sevilla’s Loïc Badé has emerged as a primary target. The French center-back, valued at €25 million, has a reported €60 million release clause in his contract. Badé’s experience and strong defensive capabilities make him an ideal candidate to bolster Villa’s backline.
Despite Carlos’ impending departure, Unai Emery’s side may need to act swiftly in the transfer market. With Torres out until March, Villa risks being short on defensive options as they approach the season’s critical juncture. The January transfer window, closing on February 3, offers limited time to secure reinforcements.
For Fenerbahce, signing Diego Carlos represents an opportunity to acquire a center-back with considerable experience and a winning mentality. Carlos was a pivotal figure in Sevilla’s Europa League triumph in 2019, and his 249 appearances in Europe’s top-five leagues demonstrate his pedigree.
The Turkish side will hope that Carlos can rediscover his best form in the Süper Lig, providing stability and leadership to their defensive line.
Diego Carlos’ transfer to Fenerbahce seems like a logical step for both the player and Aston Villa. For Villa, it provides a chance to offload a player struggling for consistency while creating room for fresh talent. For Carlos, the move offers a new challenge and the opportunity to play a more prominent role at Fenerbahce.
As the January window unfolds, all eyes will be on Aston Villa’s next move in the transfer market, with Loïc Badé and other defensive targets under consideration.
