Spanish football expert Alan Feehely believes Newcastle would have been paying over the odds for Diego Carlos if they’d met Sevilla’s demands.
The Magpies’ search for a defender continues to frustrate fans, with a move for the Brazilian centre-back collapsing on Tuesday.
It had been reported previously that the deal looked to be on, with Carlos agreeing terms with Newcastle and handing in a transfer request. It was even claimed he could make his Toon debut against Leeds.
But that obviously didn’t happen, and now the deal appears to be off.
According to Sky Sports, Sevilla want £38million for the 28-year-old which is much more than Amanda Staveley and co want to pay. Newcastle want the player, and the player wants to come to Newcastle. But sadly, he’s been priced out of a move to St James’ Park.
Expert suggests why Sevilla won’t sell
Football Espana editor Alan Feehely has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys, and given his view on why Sevilla simply won’t sell.
“I think they [Sevilla] realised they could get Martial without losing Diego [Carlos] and so asked for f off money or nothing,” he said.
“And they’ve proved with Koundé that they won’t buckle. They’re not gonna pass up their shot at the title.”
Sevilla are currently second in La Liga, embroiled in a title battle with Real Madrid. They’re currently four points adrift after 22 games.
Diego Carlos might not have been perfect for Newcastle
While much better than what Newcastle currently have, Feehely admitted that there are some flaws in Carlos’ game.
“At Sevilla he’s part of a very functional back three – himself and Jules Koundé at centre-back with Fernando often dropping from the pivot. This offers him a lot of protection.
“He does have an error in him, however, and I’d be slightly concerned as to how he’d do if he was more exposed in a league as quick and physical as the Premier League.
“He’s very strong and quick, but that would be challenged more in England than it is in Spain.”
Sevilla have the luxury of Fernando sitting in front of the defence, but Carlos might not have been afforded something similar at Newcastle. Despite their frailties, our defence has been left woefully exposed at times this season by the players in front of them.
While it is disappointing to see he won’t be joining Newcastle, the word from Spain suggests he might not have solved all of our problems.
Sevilla’s strong La Liga position has cost Newcastle
With Sevilla sitting second in the league, it was a surprise to read reports that the Olympic gold medalist wanted to join Newcastle. But Feehely believes he saw it as his ‘last big payday’.
“I can understand it from his perspective given the money he’s probably been offered.
“He’s turning 29 next and his contract is up in 2024 – this is his last big payday.”
Carlos may have wanted the big money move to Newcastle, but it won’t be happening. Now Newcastle will need to look elsewhere, and hope whoever comes in can help them avoid relegation. But will the Magpies regret not giving in to Sevilla’s demands?
“I think they’ll regret it if they go down, but that would have been over the odds. If Sevilla weren’t in a title battle they would have sold.”
Fingers crossed Newcastle don’t go down. If they do, this could be a moment that pundits point to. Sadly, the Carlos fiasco is one of multiple failed moves that have frustrated Toon fans in January. But still, rather this than not even trying to do business like in years gone by.
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