Sevilla defender Diego Carlos insists that Newcastle United never made a ‘concrete’ offer that would have convinced him to swap a La Liga title fight for a Premier League relegation battle, speaking to ABC Sevilla.
It was the most trademark of Sevilla victories. 2-0 at home to Elche. Another clean sheet. Functional rather than thrilling. And three hard-earned points closer to what could be their first La Liga title since 1946.
Julen Lopetegui’s tight-knit, well-drilled side have the best defensive record in Spain. Across 24 league matches, Sevilla have been breached on just 16 occasions.
Lopetegui might have a frontline most managers could only dream of – Lucas Ocampos, Youssef En-Nesyri, Suso, Jesus Corona, Rafa Mir and Papu Gomez – but Sevilla’s success is built not on free-flowing attacking play but upon rock-solid defensive foundations.
“I was always very calm,” explains Carlos, who’s formed a formidable partnership with France international Jules Kounde at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
“I have a contract here at Sevilla (and) told the coach that he could count on me. Because my head was at Sevilla.
“If they reached an agreement (with Newcastle), fine. But since nothing concrete arose that could make me leave Sevilla, I was calm. I feel very good at the club. I’m very happy to be here.”
Will Newcastle return for Diego Carlos in the summer?
Newcastle submitted a £30 million bid for the granite-carved Carlos during the January transfer window (iNews). They were also prepared to double his wages, offering the former Nantes ace £80,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
But, as Sevilla president Jose Castro points out, selling one of their star performers – midway through a potentially historic campaign – was nothing short of ‘unthinkable’.
“We know about the history of Newcastle,” Carlos adds. “It is a club that is fighting not to drop out of the Premier League.
“They are building a project with billionaires who want to make (them) a well-known club. But (Sevilla) play in one of the best leagues in the world, against great teams.
“I talked to (sporting director) Monchi. I told him that, if they want me here, I’m going to do my best because I owe the club a lot. We came to an agreement that I would stay.”
Newcastle, who also showed an interest in Sven Botman, Nico Schlotterbeck, Stefan de Vrij, Jason Denayer and Benoit Badiashile before turning to Dan Burn, may return for Carlos in the summer.
By the time the transfer window opens, Carlos may be part of a Sevilla squad toasting their first La Liga title in 76 years.
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