Real Madrid are plotting a summer move to sign Diego Carlos amid uncertainty regarding the futures of Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane.
According to Marca, Real Madrid could be in for a massive overhaul in the defensive unit. The club has had discrepancies with Sergio Ramos over a potential contract extension while Raphael Varane reportedly favours a new challenge away from the Bernabeu, effectively putting a host of top clubs across Europe on alert.
The expiring contracts of these two individuals may also force Los Blancos to cash in on them in the summer, thus accentuating the need for new reinforcements. Real Madrid, as a result, have set their sights on Diego Carlos among other players in an attempt to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
The Sevilla centre-back has emerged as one of the star defenders in La Liga, thanks to his rapid development under Julen Lopetegui. His partnership alongside Jules Kounde has been a central feature in the club’s unprecedented success in the leadership of the former Real Madrid manager, with the Red and Whites amassing the second-best defensive record in the league.
Carlos admittedly may not be as technically astute as his partner Kounde, but he does resemble Sergio Ramos in terms of his defensive approach. Boasting an imposing 1.86m frame, the Brazilian is indeed an intimidating figure for the attackers, with his robust style of play often making it difficult for the opposition to keep hold of the ball for long.
Unlike Kounde, the 27-year-old also boasts a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football, having played in almost 100 games in Ligue 1 before joining Sevilla. Even in Spain, the defender has racked up as many as 73 competitive appearances, notably helping his club secure the Europa League title last season.
From a sporting perspective, the robust defensive style of Carlos should combine well with the more technically gifted figure in Raphael Varane or even David Alaba, who is likely to arrive at Real Madrid in the summer. It should give Los Blancos more tactical variety in the defensive third, with Eder Militao serving as a potential alternative.
Carlos’s experience in La Liga also makes him a far more appealing option when compared to someone like Dayot Upamacano, though the latter does indeed bring a prospect for the future. It all could ultimately depend on how much Sevilla demand for their star player this summer, given the fact that Upamecano could be available for a reasonably low fee of just €42 million.
