According to a recent tweet by Radio Marca (translated by Sport Witness), Leicester City have a ‘very advanced agreement’ with Real Betis midfield ace Willian Carvalho over a potential switch away from Spain at the end of this campaign. However, the same source has also claimed that the two clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee. It is believed that ‘all parties see this operation with good eyes’ ahead of the summer transfer window (via Radio Marca).
Carvalho’s Injury-Stricken Spell In Spanish Football
The Portuguese international has endured a disappointing spell at the Estadio Benito Villamarín after missing a significant chunk of this season because of a serious muscle injury. He has only featured in nine matches for Betis this term but has picked up four yellow cards and one red card in the process which sheds light on his poor disciplinary record in Spain so far.
The 28-year-old has struggled to maintain his high standards this season as evidenced by his average of 0.4 tackles, 0.4 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 0.6 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Spanish first division (stats via whoscored). His stats highlight just how much he has struggled for his new employers over the past ten months.
Carvalho has been a regular member of the Portuguese national team in recent years. He has made 59 senior appearances for his country, scoring four goals in the process. If the Betis midfield powerhouse can overcome his recent injury concerns and come back stronger than ever in the upcoming campaign, then he might be in with a decent chance of being selected in Fernando Santos’ first-team for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Will The Portuguese Midfield Ace Bring To The King Power Stadium?
When playing with confidence, Carvalho can be a dominant figure in the middle of the park as he can utilise his remarkable strength and determination to outmuscle the opposition and win the 50-50 midfield duels. He is proficient at making powerful runs with the ball in the opposition half and can also pull off a few well-timed tackles to earn possession back for his side.
The Portuguese midfield enforcer is an intelligent footballer who is often quick to read the danger that allows him to make some vital last-gasp clearances inside his half. However, it is quite uncertain whether Carvalho will be able to return to his best next season as there are some concerns over his long-term fitness.
Is Carvalho The Right Fit For The Foxes?
The Luanda-born player will add some bite and steel to Brendan Rodgers’ midfield which might help the Foxes boss build a team capable of competing with Liverpool and Manchester City at the summit of English football. Despite Carvalho’s injury worries, he will be an excellent fit for the East Midlands outfit as he will improve the overall quality of the Leicester starting XI.
Furthermore, Carvalho could end up providing some healthy competition for the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Nampalys Mendy, Hamza Choudhury and Youri Tielemans in the race to secure a regular first-team spot at the King Power next season.
