Diego Carlos and his representatives have been “astonished” by the contract offer from Newcastle United, according to journalist Andy Brassell.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
With French champions Lillie consistently ruling out Sven Botman’s sale this month, it seems as if Newcastle will have to focus on other targets.
Carlos, a 28-year-old Brazilian centre-back at Sevilla, is thought to have been the subject of a £28m offer although reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest that has been rejected. Clearly, that has offered up yet more frustration amid the club’s desperate search to improve a defence Jamie Carragher labeled as of a “Championship” standard back in October, though Brassell provided some promising insight on Saturday.
What has been said about Newcastle and Diego Carlos?
Speaking on BT Sport Score, Brassell said: “I think they’ll get Diego Carlos over the line from Sevilla because everyone has their price at Sevilla, because he’ll be cheaper than Sven Botman, because him and his entourage are absolutely astonished by the size of the contract Newcastle have put on the table.”
Indeed, The Daily Telegraph also suggested that there was some optimism Carlos would be a Newcastle player by the time Eddie Howe’s team play Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
While, as we’ve seen with Unai Emery, it’s important not to get too carried away before contracts are signed, things do look to be moving in the right direction. Frankly, PIF are going to have to put their hands in their pockets.
Should Carlos arrive, he will be the first permanent defensive signing since Emil Krafth in the summer of 2019, highlighting just how neglected that area of the team was under Mike Ashley.
What could Carlos bring to Newcastle?
Brassell also described Carlos as a “real leader” at the back which, given some of Jamaal Lascelles’ recent performances, could be a huge boost to a defence even Howe has hinted was nervous during the dying embers of Saturday’s deflating draw at home to Watford.
In more tangible metrics, FBREF note the South American ranks within Europe’s leading 79% of central defenders playing across the big five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and average pass completion rate per game, which could perhaps help Howe build from the back.
WhoScored data, meanwhile, suggests some of Carlos’ key strengths come from blocks which, with Newcastle allowing so many shots on goal per game (15.9) could also be a huge benefit going forward.
