Diego Carlos to Leeds United? Veteran Defender Linked with Elland Road Switch as Whites Eye Premier League Stability
After celebrating promotion back to the Premier League under Daniel Farke, Leeds United are now undertaking a crucial summer rebuild to ensure they not only survive but thrive in the top flight. While the club’s success in the Championship was underpinned by a solid defensive unit and tactical discipline, the demands of the Premier League are significantly higher — and that has prompted Leeds to act early in the market.
Among the key targets now emerging is Fenerbahce centre-back Diego Carlos, a seasoned Brazilian defender with European pedigree and previous Premier League experience. Reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik (July 19) confirm that Leeds have already submitted a loan-to-buy offer for Carlos, who is believed to be available — but only under specific terms that could complicate negotiations.
This potential transfer could be a significant moment for Leeds’ summer strategy, signalling a clear intent to blend experience with emerging talent, but it also raises important questions about risk management, long-term planning, and where the club’s focus should shift next.
Diego Carlos: A Decorated Veteran with Unfinished Business in England
Born in Barra Bonita, Brazil, Diego Carlos rose through the ranks in European football with stints in Portugal and France before establishing himself at Sevilla in La Liga. There, he made a name for himself as a dominant, no-nonsense centre-back, combining aerial prowess with aggressive one-on-one defending. His performances helped Sevilla secure the 2020 UEFA Europa League, where he played a crucial role despite a few high-profile errors.
His success in Spain led to a big-money move to Aston Villa in the Premier League in 2022. However, Carlos’ spell in England was derailed almost immediately by an Achilles tendon injury that ruled him out for much of his debut season. Upon his return, he struggled to regain consistent form or a starting role under Unai Emery.
In the winter transfer window of 2024, he moved to Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig, hoping to reboot his career. But his time in Istanbul has been underwhelming so far. Since Jose Mourinho took over as head coach, Carlos has found himself on the fringes, with the Portuguese manager preferring other defensive options in his preferred system. At 32, he’s no longer seen as a long-term part of Fenerbahce’s plans, making a summer exit increasingly likely.
Fenerbahce’s Stance: Only a Mandatory Purchase Will Do
Leeds United have proposed a loan-to-buy deal to bring Carlos to Elland Road. This structure — a temporary loan with an option to make the move permanent — is a common tactic clubs use to mitigate risk. But in this case, Fenerbahce are insisting on a mandatory purchase clause, meaning Leeds would be contractually obligated to buy Carlos outright at the end of the loan regardless of his performances or fitness.
From Fenerbahce’s perspective, this demand makes sense. The Turkish giants are keen to offload a player on high wages and who is not part of Mourinho’s core plans. By insisting on a guaranteed sale, they can clean up their wage bill and avoid the uncertainty of the player returning next season.
For Leeds, however, the decision is more complex. Committing to buy a 32-year-old defender with a recent injury history is a gamble — even one as experienced and decorated as Carlos. While his physicality and leadership could help Leeds stabilise at the back, a long-term financial commitment to a player at the tail end of his career may conflict with the club’s broader youth-focused recruitment model.
Leeds’ Defensive Rebuild: Carlos Could Be the Final Piece
Leeds United’s backline has already undergone a notable transformation this summer. The signings of Jaka Bijol from Udinese and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg demonstrate a clear focus on reinforcing the central defensive positions. Both players bring top-level experience and physicality, and are expected to challenge for starting roles immediately.
These arrivals follow a Championship-winning campaign in which Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk formed a reliable partnership. Rodon, who was on loan from Tottenham last season, has since joined Leeds on a permanent deal — a move that was widely praised by fans and pundits alike. Struijk, though still inconsistent at times, has continued to grow under Farke’s coaching.
The depth behind the first-choice duo was thin last season, forcing Ethan Ampadu — typically a defensive midfielder — to cover at centre-back. With Max Wober now out on loan to Werder Bremen, Leeds were always expected to pursue another experienced centre-half.
Diego Carlos, if signed, would not only provide valuable depth but also bring European and Premier League experience, an asset Leeds currently lack in their backline. His ability to play out from the back could also align well with Farke’s style, which demands composure in possession and smart distribution from defenders.
Competition from Burnley and Sunderland
Carlos’ availability has not gone unnoticed by other clubs. Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are believed to be monitoring his situation closely. With strong financial backing and a desire to return to the top flight quickly, Burnley could offer Carlos regular football and a prominent role.
Meanwhile, Sunderland are also showing interest, though a move to the Stadium of Light might be a harder sell for the Brazilian defender at this stage of his career. Leeds, however, can offer a Premier League platform and an ambitious project, giving them a clear edge if they choose to meet Fenerbahce’s demands.
Midfield Reinforcements: Solid, But Not Complete
Leeds haven’t just focused on the defence. The signing of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United brings Premier League quality, work rate, and a solid passing range to the midfield. Longstaff’s arrival adds competition and balance, especially in deeper areas.
In addition, Leeds are pursuing Anton Stach, a versatile German midfielder from Hoffenheim who has impressed with his tactical intelligence, stamina, and ball-winning ability. Stach would provide another dynamic option in central midfield, capable of operating as a No. 6 or No. 8.
These moves are encouraging, especially with Leeds facing a step up in intensity and technical quality in the Premier League. But while the spine of the team is improving, the forward line remains an urgent concern.
The Attack: Leeds’ Most Pressing Weakness
It’s no secret that Leeds United’s attacking options are limited heading into the new season. Patrick Bamford, who played a key role during the club’s last Premier League spell, is reportedly not in Daniel Farke’s plans due to ongoing injury issues and declining form. Meanwhile, young forward Mateo Joseph is pushing for a move away in search of more game time.
With both strikers potentially unavailable, Leeds are left alarmingly short of options up front. Georginio Rutter, while talented, remains inconsistent and may not be suited to playing as a lone striker in the Premier League. Wilfried Gnonto, who had flashes of brilliance in the Championship, is more of a wide forward than a true central threat.
Simply put, Leeds need at least one high-quality striker — preferably with top-flight experience — to avoid falling into the same traps that have doomed many newly promoted sides. A lack of goals at the Premier League level is often fatal, no matter how solid a defence may be.
Conclusion: Diego Carlos a Smart Move — But Attack Must Now Be the Priority
The pursuit of Diego Carlos reflects Leeds United’s desire to build a Premier League-ready squad filled with experience, depth, and physicality. If the Whites can strike a deal that protects them financially while landing a defender of Carlos’ pedigree, the move could prove to be a smart piece of business.
However, with the defence and midfield now taking shape, it’s crucial that Daniel Farke and the recruitment team turn their attention to the forward line. Unless a proven striker arrives — and ideally another creative winger — the risk of being underpowered in attack could undermine the entire project.
Leeds are making solid moves so far this window. But as the Premier League draws closer, they must act quickly and decisively in the market. Because in this division, ambition alone is not enough — it must be backed by goals.