Aston Villa are poised for a significant shift in their squad dynamics as they reach an agreement with Fenerbahçe to offload central defender Diego Carlos. The Brazilian is set to depart Villa Park, signaling a major evolution in the club’s transfer strategy under the constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Diego Carlos’ Journey at Villa
Diego Carlos, signed for £26 million from Sevilla in 2022, faced a challenging tenure at Villa. His promising start was cut short by a devastating Achilles tendon injury in only his second Premier League appearance, sidelining him for much of the 2022/23 season. Now 31, Carlos is poised to join Fenerbahçe for £8.5 million, marking a significant financial loss for the club compared to his initial transfer fee.
Carlos contributed to Villa’s success under Unai Emery, including memorable performances in league wins over Arsenal and a clean-sheet victory against Manchester City, where he effectively contained Erling Haaland. Despite these highlights, Villa’s focus has shifted toward sustainability and long-term growth, leaving little room for retaining players nearing the end of their peak years.
Changing Approach: Enter Loïc Badé
As part of this strategic transition, Aston Villa have identified 24-year-old Loïc Badé from Sevilla as a potential replacement for Carlos. This pursuit reflects Villa’s deliberate move toward acquiring younger, high-potential players who align with Emery’s progressive playing style and provide resale value.
Badé’s profile contrasts sharply with that of Carlos. Rather than prioritizing experienced players with diminishing market value, Villa aims to secure talents who can grow with the team and be pivotal to its success over the long term.
PSR and a Focus on Future-Proof Transfers
Villa’s revised transfer strategy has been shaped significantly by PSR regulations, prompting the club to rethink how it invests. Young, rising talents are favored over experienced stars to ensure financial stability while fostering growth. Signing such players early allows Villa to offer lucrative contracts and extend them as performance improves, securing their investment.
Villa learned valuable lessons from high-profile signings made under previous management, such as Carlos, Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, and Leander Dendoncker—acquisitions that, while impactful, offered limited future resale opportunities. In particular, Digne stands as an exception, providing consistent performances despite his age.
Carlos’ Exit: The Right Timing
Villa reportedly considered selling Carlos last summer to facilitate the signing of Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida. While the deal fell through then, the January window presented another chance to make a prudent financial decision. Carlos’ exit aligns with his desire for regular playtime in a league that places fewer physical demands than the Premier League, offering Fenerbahçe the experienced reinforcement they seek.
What This Means for Villa’s Future
The departure of Carlos and the likely arrival of Badé symbolize a new era for Aston Villa—one that emphasizes financial responsibility, player development, and sustained competitiveness. Badé, a defender with a strong presence and excellent recovery skills, could become a cornerstone in Emery’s squad for years to come.
Reflecting on Carlos’ Legacy
While Carlos’ time at Villa didn’t unfold as envisioned, his contributions during a successful season for the club are undeniable. His leadership on and off the pitch helped Villa secure European football, and his stellar displays against top teams ensured his place in fans’ memories. However, as Villa embrace a smarter transfer approach, both club and player stand to benefit from their amicable parting.
Diego Carlos’ exit paves the way for Aston Villa to continue their ascent under Emery, armed with a refined strategy that promises both immediate gains and long-term stability. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see how Badé—or another potential signing—fits into the evolving narrative of a club striving to reach new heights in European football.