Aston Villa’s remarkable fourth-place finish last season, securing a coveted spot in the Champions League, has brought a sense of excitement and optimism to the Midlands club. However, the potential sale of defensive stalwart Diego Carlos to Fulham could be a devastating blow to Unai Emery’s plans for European success.

The Brazilian centre-back, affectionately dubbed a “man mountain” by Gary Neville, has been instrumental in Villa’s recent success, bringing a wealth of European experience to the team. His impressive performances in the Champions League with Sevilla, including a memorable overhead kick in the 2020 Europa League final, make him an invaluable asset to Emery’s squad.

Carlos’ departure would not only weaken Villa’s defense but also deprive the team of his crucial experience in European competitions. His ability to perform under pressure and make decisive contributions in high-stakes games, as seen in the 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates, makes him a vital component of Emery’s plans.

The statistics speak for themselves, with Carlos’ defensive attributes rivaling those of Champions League winner Antonio Rudiger. His impressive displays have earned him widespread praise, including accolades from Shay Given, who hailed him as Villa’s “star man” in their victory over Arsenal.

As Villa prepare for their first Champions League campaign in over three decades, the loss of Carlos would be a significant setback. Emery’s ambitions for European success would be severely hampered by the departure of a player who has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

With the club already actively seeking reinforcements to bolster their squad for the demands of European competition, the sale of Carlos would be a misguided move. Villa’s participation in the Champions League presents a unique opportunity for the club to showcase their talents and build a lasting legacy. Sacrificing a player of Carlos’ caliber would undermine this ambition and risk jeopardizing their chances of making a meaningful impact in the competition.

In part two of this exclusive piece, we will examine the potential consequences of Carlos’ departure and explore the alternatives available to Emery as he seeks to strengthen his squad for the challenges ahead.