Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has admitted Newcastle United’s efforts to sign defender Diego Carlos created ‘uncertainty’ throughout January.
The Magpies were extremely keen to sign the Brazilian defender in the January window as they looked to add a new centre-back to their squad.
Eddie Howe had identified the position as a problem one that needed solving, and so Newcastle spent the winter window chasing several names around Europe as a result.
Carlos was the one that they chased the hardest, holding extensive talks with Sevilla and making offers regarding a potential move.
At one point, they appeared to have got their man when Carlos informed the Spanish club he wanted to leave and move to St James Park.
The move to Newcastle never happened, though, as Sevilla held out in negotiations and insisted that the Magpies activate the Brazilian’s release clause or a deal would not happen.
That was something they were unwilling to do, leading to a tense situation in which the player reportedly wanted the move but had not been given it, and Lopetegui admits it did cause issues.
“We are delighted that the market has closed, that they have returned and that we are focusing on the normality of the league,” Mundo Deportivo report him saying.
“The winter transfer window always creates that uncertainty, and it’s now closed. We are delighted with the players who have come.
“This market has the scenario of adaptation, which hardly exists, and we will try to make that adaptation as quick as possible. We are delighted with the squad we have, without any doubt.”
