Offer accepted as Aston Villa strike agreement for £26m defender

Fenerbahçe have reportedly reached a full agreement to sign Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos after weeks of stop-start negotiations.

Carlos, now 31, arrived at Villa Park with great promise when he was signed from Sevilla for £26 million in 2022. Widely recognised as one of the best physical defenders in Europe at the time, it was hoped Carlos would become one of Villa’s star players but he suffered a horrific injury on just his second appearance in claret and blue.

An innocent jump for the ball against Everton in August 2022 led to a painful nine-month recovery as Carlos landed awkwardly and ruptured his Achilles tendon. It was the worst injury of his career and it was such bad luck for Villa who had forked out so much to secure his services.

Since then, Carlos has been in and out of the starting XI under Unai Emery as he’s typically been behind Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres in the pecking order. It’s unclear if he’s even ahead of Tyrone Mings now that the former England international has returned from a long-term injury of his own.

Despite never having assurances over regular starts, Carlos has always remained a top professional. His time at Villa Park could be about to end, however, as Süper Lig giants Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, are expected to secure his services.

Reliable Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reports a verbal agreement has been struck today (January 17) between Villa and Fenerbahçe, while Carlos is said to have agreed personal terms. Fellow Turkish team Galatasaray - currently leading the pack in the Süper Lig - were linked but Fenerbahçe are set to win the race.

Meanwhile, transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano adds that the deal is nearly completed with just the final round of talks required.

Will Aston Villa sign Loïc Badé after Diego Carlos exit?

Carlos’ reported imminent exit paves the way for a new central defender and Sevilla star Loïc Badé could be just the man. The 24-year-old has been going from strength to strength since joining Sevilla in 2023, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented defenders in La Liga.

Spanish publication Vamos Mi Sevilla reported earlier this week that Villa sent a first bid of €15 million (£12.6m) plus €5 million (£4.2m) in add-ons to sign Badé. Sevilla, open to talks, are said to have rejected Villa’s offer and instead requested €22 million (£18.5m) plus €5 million in add-ons.

The most credible of reporters has linked Villa with Badé, too, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the French defender was a ‘serious target’ for Emery.