Jose Enrique believes Sevilla’s La Liga ace Diego Carlos would be a ‘massive’ statement signing for Premier League strugglers Newcastle United, speaking to The Express.
Less than two years ago, Carlos was the Brazilian boulder at the heart of a rock-solid Sevilla side.
One who swatted aside Wolves, Manchester United and Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan en route to yet another Europa League title.
At the time, he was valued at a staggering £65 million. And a who’s who of European giants were knocking on Sevilla’s door, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Few would have predicted, at the time, that Carlos would be joining a club sitting just one point off the bottom of the Premier League some 18 months later.
But those billionaire Saudi Arabian owners have given the club access to an unprecedented financial clout after ten years of dissatisfaction and disillusion under Mike Ashley.
And, after investing nearly £40 million in Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, talks over a deal to bring Carlos to England for a further £30 million are very much underway (The Guardian).
“I love how the club is spending money,” beams Enrique, Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2009/10.
“Obviously they’re looking for a left-back now, a centre-back. They’re going for these type of players now because they want to stay in the Premier League.
“I think they will stay in the Premier League if they keep on signing players like this. If they sign two, three, four very good players.”
Will Diego Carlos be Newcastle’s most important signing yet?
Newcastle are willing to double Carlos’ wages. They are offering him £80,000-a-week to swap a La Liga title fight for a relegation battle in England.
“If I was the manager, I would attract all the top players in La Liga because it’s the league I know.
“Diego Carlos, if they can take this player from Sevilla it would be a massive statement.”
“That would be Newcastle telling you they mean business.”
There are still plenty of obstacles that must be overcome before Carlos is posing for photos in front of the Gallowgate. Even if the 28-year-old Brazilian is keen on a move to St James’ Park.
Sevilla are chasing their first La Liga title since 1946. Understandably, they’re desperate to retain the services of their star centre-back.
Coach Pablo Sanz said on Wednesday night that he expects Carlos to stay until the summer at least.
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