Diego Carlos nears Fenerbahce switch as Premier League club eye La Liga defender as replacement. The Brazilian centre-back's departure comes after limited playing time at Villa Park, with the Turkish giants ready to secure his services for £8.5 million as per The Athletic.
The 31-year-old Brazilian joined Villa from Sevilla for £26 million in 2022, but his journey took an unfortunate turn when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in just his second appearance. The injury kept him out of action for nine months, making it difficult for him to establish himself in the team.
Carlos struggled to break into the starting lineup upon his return, with Unai Emery preferring the defensive trio of Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres. His impact at Villa Park remained limited, with only 58 appearances across two and a half seasons.
Fenerbahce move and Villa's replacement plans
The Turkish club's interest in Carlos has grown since the start of January, with negotiations now reaching their final stages. The experienced defender will soon head to Istanbul for medical tests before putting pen to paper on his contract with José Mourinho's side.
Fenerbahce, already home to notable players Eden Dzeko and Fred, view Carlos as a valuable addition to strengthen their defensive line. The club aim to enhance both their domestic and European campaign prospects with this signing.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's sporting director Monchi has identified Sevilla defender Loic Bade as the primary target to fill Carlos's position. The 24-year-old French centre-back, who played a crucial role in Sevilla's Europa League victory last year, has caught the attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Villa remain confident about securing Bade's signature before the transfer window closes on February 3, despite facing competition from other clubs. The negotiations are moving forward rapidly as the club look to maintain their defensive stability.
A busy transfer window for Villa
The Carlos transfer is one of several moves in Villa's active January window under Unai Emery. The club has strengthened their attack by bringing in Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund, while Jaden Philogene has moved to Ipswich Town. The club has also managed young talent Lewis Dobbin's development by arranging a loan move to Norwich City following his spell at West Brom.
Villa's priority remain finding a suitable replacement for Carlos. The potential arrival of Loic Bade could help the team maintain their defensive strength as they push for success in the Premier League.