Aston Villa will lose another star this summer after Lucas Digne agreed a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The France international left-back is set to join PSG once the 2026 World Cup ends, with the French giants triggering his €10 million release clause.
What’s happening with Lucas Digne at Aston Villa?
PSG have informed Aston Villa they will pay Digne’s release clause, which sits under €10 million (£8.5m). The deal is expected to be finalised after the World Cup, where Digne is currently representing France. Villa already lost midfielder Youri Tielemans to Manchester United this summer, leaving them with a second major departure to manage.
Digne has been a mainstay at Villa since arriving from Everton in 2022. He’s made 182 appearances, scored four goals, and provided 24 assists. His leadership at left-back helped Villa finish fourth in the Premier League last season and lift the UEFA Europa League. The 32-year-old has also established himself as France’s first-choice left-back, overtaking Theo Hernandez.
Why does PSG want Lucas Digne?
PSG need a reliable left-back to back up Nuno Mendes, whose fitness issues last season forced the club to seek reinforcements. Lucas Hernandez has struggled to impress, leaving a gap PSG are eager to fill. Digne’s crossing, passing, and set-piece delivery make him a clear upgrade, allowing Luis Enrique to manage Mendes’ workload more carefully.
Before joining Barcelona in 2016, Digne spent three seasons at PSG, winning multiple domestic trophies. His return to the Parc des Princes would reunite him with his former club, where he’s already a fan favourite.
What does this mean for Aston Villa’s summer?
Villa are in the middle of a busy transfer window after finishing fourth in the Premier League with 65 points from 38 games. Their recent form? A five-game winning streak, with the last result a 2-1 away win over Manchester City on 24 May 2026. They’re 20 points behind league leaders Arsenal and face Real Sociedad at home on 28 July 2026.
But Digne’s exit adds to the summer exodus. Tielemans’ move to Manchester United leaves a midfield void, while Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara remain sidelined. The club will need to act fast to replace key players before the new season kicks off.
How will Digne’s departure impact Villa’s Europa League defence?
Digne was a rock in defence during Villa’s Europa League triumph, providing stability at left-back. His departure leaves a significant gap, especially with the club set to defend their European crown. The question now is whether Villa can find a suitable replacement or reshuffle their backline to cover the loss.
Villa’s summer transfer business will be under the microscope as they balance exits with arrivals. With the next fixture just weeks away, the clock is ticking for manager Unai Emery to finalise his squad.
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