Aston Villa manager Unai Emery could be ready to green-light the sale of Brazilian defender Diego Carlos in the upcoming January transfer window, according to sources close to the club.
Despite the 31-year-old’s pedigree and past performances, it appears that Emery is not fully convinced about his role in the team moving forward, prompting the possibility of an early exit.
Diego Carlos, who joined Villa from Sevilla in 2022, has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in the Premier League under Emery. Although he has made appearances in the Champions League and has featured in 11 matches this season, his limited game time in the domestic league—just four starts—has raised eyebrows. This lack of consistent involvement has led to growing speculation about his future at Villa Park.
A major factor in Emery’s decision to potentially offload Carlos is the return of Tyrone Mings, who has recently recovered from a long-term injury. Mings’ return to the fold provides Villa with added depth at center-back, and his availability has made it easier for Emery to consider letting go of Carlos in January. The Villa boss may feel that the 31-year-old, who has shown flashes of quality but struggled for consistency, could be surplus to requirements.
Sources have indicated that Villa’s recruitment team is already looking into potential new center-back options, as Emery seeks to strengthen his defense further. The team’s defensive record has been a concern this season, with Villa having kept just four clean sheets across all competitions. Worse still, they have conceded in each of their last five matches, highlighting ongoing issues with their defensive stability and structure.
Carlos, who has spent much of the season playing in a secondary role, might find his chances limited even further if Villa moves forward with their plans to revamp the defense. With just a handful of league starts this term, it seems the Brazilian’s role at Villa Park is becoming increasingly uncertain. This shift in priorities could pave the way for his departure as the club looks to balance its squad for the second half of the season.
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Interestingly, Villa had already considered the possibility of parting ways with Carlos during the summer transfer window. Fulham had shown interest in acquiring the defender, though no formal offer was made. Likewise, there were rumors linking him to a move to AC Milan, but those potential deals never materialized. As the January window approaches, it seems that there will be renewed interest in Carlos, and Villa may be more open to negotiations this time around.
One of the key motivations behind a potential Carlos sale is Villa’s ongoing need to comply with financial fair play (FFP) regulations. The club has faced financial constraints in recent years, particularly in the summer, when they were forced to sell key players such as Douglas Luiz to meet financial sustainability rules. With a need to avoid repeating that scenario, Villa will be cautious with their spending and could look to sell Carlos to free up funds for reinvestment.
Should Carlos depart, the sale would offer Villa the opportunity to reinvest in the squad and strengthen areas that have been underperforming. Specifically, the club’s defense could benefit from new faces, with Emery keen on bringing in improved options to add stability to his backline. The January window represents a crucial time for Villa as they look to maintain their push for a European spot next season.
Although the club’s financial concerns may limit their spending power, a potential sale of Carlos could also help alleviate some of the pressure on Villa’s budget. This would allow Emery to target players who fit his tactical needs more closely, offering a better chance of success as Villa aims to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels.
As Villa prepares for a busy winter window, all eyes will be on the club’s next moves. While Carlos’ potential sale is just one piece of the puzzle, it could have significant implications for the club’s plans both on and off the pitch. For now, Villa fans will be hoping that any changes made in January will bolster the squad and help the team improve their defensive record as they push for a top-half finish and possibly a spot in European competition.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Emery and his staff as they continue to assess the squad and consider potential departures and arrivals. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing performances of the team, with Villa sitting in mid-table and looking to find more consistency as the season progresses.
