Aston Villa push for defender signing after £8.5m deal completed

The Brazilian centre-back has joined Jose Mourinho’s team in a deal worth around £8.5million, bringing to an end his two-and-a-half year stay at Villa Park.

His exit allows Villa, who have to be mindful of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, to step up attempts to sign Bade though getting a deal over the line is not proving straightforward.

Sevilla value the French centre-back at around £25m and though the clubs are believed close to an agreement, the player is yet to be convinced by the move, meaning Villa are prepared to explore other options. 

If a breakthrough is achieved it would see Bade return to the Premier League two years after leaving Nottingham Forest, having failed to make a single appearance during a three-month loan spell.

The 24-year-old has since gone on to establish himself as a key player for Sevilla and was part of France’s squad at last year’s Olympic Games.

Villa have been operating on a one-out, one-in strategy due to financial restrictions. Winger Donyell Malen became their first signing of the window when he joined from Borussia Dortmund for £21m, which was swiftly followed by the £23m exit of Jaden Philogene to Ipswich. Young right-back prospect Andres Garcia also joined from Levante for £5m.

Carlos departs having made 58 appearances in all competitions since joining Villa from Sevilla for £26m in 2022.

He missed the majority of his debut season after rupturing his Achilles in just his second appearance for the club but made some important contributions as Villa qualified for the Champions League in the 2023-24 season.

Emery was prepared to let Carlos leave last summer and he came close to joining Fulham before the deal collapsed.