With the news that Diego Carlos is likely out for the season, Aston Villa are seeking a replacement for the 29-year-old. French news site SO FOOT have reported Duje Ćaleta-Car has already packed his bags to join his mate Boubacar Kamara at Aston Villa, but what would this deal mean for the Birmingham based outfit?
A 23 time Croatian international, Ćaleta-Car currently plays for French outfit Marseille, where he lined up alongside Boubacar Kamara for four seasons. Ćaleta-Car would be able to settle in fairly quickly, with former Marseille teammates Kamara and Morgan Sanson both playing for Villa. The 25-year-old made 129 appearances for the French outfit, and has featured in European competitions almost 50 times in the last 8 seasons, bringing a large amount of experience at a high level to the club.
At a rumoured price of just 11 million, the centre-back is well within Aston Villa’s price range, and would be a bargain buy. In January 2021, Liverpool launched a £23 million bid for the Croatian, but the move failed to materialise as Marseille could not find a replacement before the end of the window.
Standing at 6’4″, Ćaleta-Car is a dominant force in the air, and also comfortable with the ball at his feet. He will often attempt a forward pass to start a move and has likened himself to legendary center-back Gerard Pique, calling him his main inspiration in an interview with La Provence.
With many fans saying Villa need an aerial presence comfortable on the ball, is Ćaleta-Car the answer to Villa fans’ prayers?