TalkSport reporter Alex Crook believes Aston Villa should look to dip back into the transfer market before the end of the window in order to replace the injured Diego Carlos, amid links to Croatian international Duje Caleta-Car.
Unfortunately for Villa and their fans, new signing Carlos picked up an injury which looks set to keep the centre-back out for an extended amount of time, and as a result, they have been tipped to jump back into the transfer market.
Crook believes this needs to be done as they cannot rely on the likes of Kortney Hause to take over Carlos’ role, amid reports that Caleta-Car is a possible option for Steven Gerrard’s side.
He told TalkSport: “There’s talk in the foreign press that maybe Duje Caleta-Car, the Croatian international – long since linked with a move to the Premier League – could be on their radar, and I do think they will have to dip into the market to replace Diego Carlos because I’m not convinced, and nor is Steven Gerrard, that the likes of Kortney Hause can come in and really fill that void.”
TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
It would not be surprising if Villa did indeed head back into the market after losing Carlos, as he was set to be an important figure in the side and improve their defensive options, which was integral for Gerrard.
Caleta-Car could be a great answer to this problem as he has proven to be a fantastic defender, especially with the ball at his feet, according to FBref’s statistics, where he currently ranks in the 93rd percentile for pass completion and progressive carries compared to other centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.
It is currently unknown how much it will take to prise the defender away from Marseille, but Premier League rivals West Ham United were quoted £20m back in January. Seeing as the winter window can see a premium price put on players, it would not be surprising if they could get this price down – at which point, you’re looking at a potential bargain.
Should Villa look to move for a new defender?Yes
No
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