Transfer

Diego Carlos: Aston Villa confirm signing of Sevilla defender on a four-year deal

Sky Sports News understands the fee is £26m; Newcastle tried to sign the centre-back in January but refused to pay the £38m Sevilla were demanding at the time; Diego Carlos said: "Even now I can't believe I'm here because it's a dream to compete in the Premier League."

Thursday 2 June 2022 12:03, UK

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos on a four-year deal.

The Premier League club confirmed an agreement had been reached for the transfer last Thursday with the 29-year-old then travelling to England to complete a medical and finalise personal terms.

Sky Sports News understands the fee is £26m for the centre-back, who lifted the Europa League in 2020 and won a gold medal with Brazil at the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games.

Carlos said: "I am really happy because the Premier League is one of the best competitions.

"I always want to do the best for the club and the shirt I'm wearing. Even now I can't believe I'm here because it's a dream to compete in the Premier League. And now I have a very clear opportunity, I hope to give it 100% my best, and to be able to play to the best of my ability."

Carlos is Villa's second arrival of the summer after they announced the signing of midfielder Boubacar Kamara on a five-year deal last week ahead of the expiry of his contract at Marseille at the end of June.

Villa are also understood to be in talks to sign defender James Tarkowski, whose Burnley contract expires at the end of June.

Villa will likely face competition from a host of other Premier League clubs for the 29-year-old centre-back.

Newcastle's failed bid for Carlos in January

Newcastle came close to signing Carlos in January, but were unable to agree a fee with the Spanish side.

A fee of £30m was discussed between the clubs but Sevilla then upped their value of the player to £38m and Newcastle walked away.

Carlos told Sevilla he wanted to leave but the Spanish club wanted to keep him at the time as they were still in the hunt for the LaLiga title.

Only a huge bid would have got him at the time and Newcastle were unwilling to stretch to £38m.

Newcastle eventually signed Dan Burn instead for £13m.

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