Aston Villa could be gearing up for a significant defensive reshuffle, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez emerging as a top target should Diego Carlos depart for Fulham. The Brazilian defender, who joined Villa last year, has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, and the club is reportedly open to offers for the 31-year-old. With West Ham also expressing interest in Carlos, Villa might soon be in the market for a new central defender, with Gomez and Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida on their radar.
Diego Carlos’ Villa Stint and Potential Departure
Diego Carlos arrived at Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 with high expectations, having enjoyed a successful spell at Sevilla where he was instrumental in their Europa League triumph in 2020. His physical presence, aerial ability, and leadership qualities were seen as the perfect addition to Villa’s defense.
Despite these setbacks, Carlos has shown flashes of the quality that made him one of La Liga’s most sought-after defenders. However, with Villa now seemingly open to offers and Fulham reportedly leading the chase for his signature, his future at the club appears uncertain. West Ham, too, have been monitoring the situation closely, with David Moyes keen to strengthen his defensive options following the departure of Declan Rice.
Carlos’ potential exit would leave a void in Villa’s defense, prompting manager Unai Emery to explore replacement options. The club’s willingness to listen to offers for Carlos, who still has two years left on his contract, suggests that they are preparing for life without the Brazilian.
Joe Gomez: A Versatile Option for Villa
Joe Gomez, a key figure in Liverpool’s recent successes, has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Carlos. The 26-year-old has endured a challenging couple of seasons at Anfield, with injuries and increased competition for places limiting his playing time. Once a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp’s defense, Gomez has struggled to regain his place amid the emergence of Ibrahima Konaté and the continued presence of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.
Despite these challenges, Joe Gomez remains a highly regarded defender, known for his pace, versatility, and ability to play both as a central defender and as a right-back. His performances in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019-2020 season highlighted his potential, and a move to Villa could provide the regular first-team football he needs to recapture that form.
For Villa, Gomez would represent a signing with significant upside. At 26, he is entering the prime years of his career, and his experience at the highest level would be invaluable to Emery’s side. His ability to cover multiple positions would also be a valuable asset, offering flexibility in defensive setups.
Lutsharel Geertruida: An Alternative Target
The 23-year-old Dutchman is one of the Eredivisie’s most promising talents, known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute to the attack. Geertruida played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s successful 2022-2023 season, helping them secure the Eredivisie title.
Geertruida’s versatility is similar to Gomez’s, as he is comfortable playing both at right-back and in central defense. This adaptability would make him a valuable addition to Villa’s squad, particularly if Emery looks to implement different formations throughout the season.
However, Geertruida’s relative inexperience in comparison to Gomez and Carlos might be a consideration for Villa as they weigh their options. While the Dutchman has shown immense potential, the step up to the Premier League would present new challenges.
Also Read:
