Amid speculation linking Diego Carlos with an exit from Aston Villa, Unai Emery has given a rather coy response to a question over his future.
The 31-year-old has made 17 appearances so far this season, as he continues to play an important role in providing cover and depth in defence when either Ezri Konsa or Matty Cash are absent.
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He won’t add to that tally on Friday night in our FA Cup clash with West Ham Utd as the Brazilian centre-half is still injured, but speculation is building over a potential exit in the coming days or weeks as Carlos has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, with reports suggesting that talks are advancing.
Last week, Emery described Carlos as ‘necessary’, as given the injury blow suffered by Pau Torres, we are light in that department and so he provides important cover in the event that we suffer another injury, or if Emery wishes to make a tactical switch and shift Konsa across to right-back.
It seems as though that tone has changed from the Villa boss though in light of recent exit talk, as although he didn’t commit either way in terms of whether or not Carlos is staying, he wasn’t as strong in his response this time, thus giving the impression that everything is on the table this month as we look to strengthen the squad.
“When we are in the transfer window different options can happen with the players,” Emery said at his pre-West Ham press conference, as per BirminghamLive. “Of course we can see how important Diego Carlos was and is for us because he played consistently with us, performing very well.
“Of course, like I told you before, we are thinking in different circumstances but always trying to link and get what is best for the club, for the team and for each player. After those circumstances we will analyse and always try to make the best decision.”
Ultimately, much will depend on whether or not Villa can identify and bring in an upgrade to replace Carlos, and if it makes sporting and financial sense, the club surely won’t hesitate in making the necessary moves to improve our backline.
While Carlos has played an important role for us since he arrived in 2022, and having come back from a serious injury in his debut season with us after suffering a ruptured Achilles, we can arguably do better with a more reliable option, both in terms of staying injury free and providing a solid presence in the heart of our defence.
If an exit doesn’t materialise, he will have a key role to play for the remainder of the campaign, but if it does, it’s hoped we’re able to sign a replacement who can tick all the required boxes for Emery in both phases of the game and essentially make us better.
