Gone are the days of wondering when the transfer window might come to life as a Villa fan it seems. After the club were quick off the mark to secure the permanent signings of Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos is the latest high profile name through the door at Villa Park.
Once again demonstrating a ruthless streak in the transfer market, Villa brushed aside cash rich Newcastle to secure the signature of the Brazilian centre-back. It’s widely reported that La Liga outfit Seville have accepted a transfer fee of £26m.
After a under-achieving 14th place finish in the Premier League, it looks like Villa are going all in to improve our fortunes next term. Whilst the squad looks in decent shape at both right and left back, the centre-half pairing of Mings and Konsa has come in for increasing scrutiny against better sides. The opportunistic purchase of Callum Chambers from Arsenal has so far turned out to be a coup, but the truth is Villa lack quality strength in depth at the back.
For Gerrard, there can be no room for sentimentality or risk taking as he embarks upon an important test of his managerial ability in the Premier League. Whilst few could fault Mings’ commitment to the cause, it cannot go un-noticed that Villa club Captain was a high profile omission from England’s latest squad. He does remain the obvious partner for Carlos, however.
Ezri Konsa, so consistent and quietly impressive for Villa to date, suffered for loss of form badly during the 2021/22 campaign. The once steady and dependable figure became guilty of a number of errors of judgement, leading to Chambers making a justifiable stake for first team selection ahead of him. Konsa’s availability and recuperation from a recent ACL injury has perhaps also focused Villa’s minds upon adding proven quality and experience at the heart of the defence.
DIEGO CARLOS
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 29 year old is reported to now be finalising terms and completing a medical in the UK.
Carlos is another high profile statement signing, and one with substance too. The centre half was 50% of a duo that conceded the fewest goals in La Liga last season. Impressive.
Well regarded as a ball player and passer, the Brazilian is known for being composed in possession and helped Sevilla win the Europa League in 2020. Carlos was also a part of the Gold medal winning Brazil team in Toyko alongside Douglas Luiz. He’s a welcome addition for sure.