Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made a move to take Lucas Digne back to the French capital, with the Ligue 1 giants exploring a deal for the skilled Aston Villa left-back.
Digne has emerged as a summer season target for PSG as the club looks to strengthen its options at left-back and provide more competition for Nuno Mendes.
The France international is believed to actually have a release clause of just over €10 million in his Aston Villa deal, perhaps making him a low-cost and efficient addition to Luis Enrique’s squad.
For Digne, the move would be a return to familiar surroundings more than a decade after he first joined PSG from Lille in 2013.
PSG Target Lucas Digne as Nuno Mendes’ Backup
Nuno Mendes remains PSG’s first-choice left-back and one of the best players in his position; given the long season ahead, it would make it reasonable the French champions want reliable cover.
Digne fits that profile.
At 32, the Aston Villa defender could come away enjoying years at the highest level. He has performed in France, Italy, Spain, and England, representing huge teams such as PSG, Roma, Barcelona, Everton, and Aston Villa.
Rather than replacing Mendes, Digne would likely provide competition and an experienced shield.
His Premier League performances have shown he can perform at an even higher level, though, while his ability to contribute in attacking areas could also make him useful against teams defending deep.
A Return to Paris for Lucas Digne?
Digne’s potential to head back to PSG could bring his career full circle.
The Frenchman joined Paris Saint-Germain from Lille in 2013; however, every day first-team opportunities were hard to get, and he eventually spent time on loan at Roma
A move to Barcelona followed before Digne played in the Premier League with Everton and Aston Villa.
More than a decade later, he could now return to Paris as a vastly overexperienced player.
This time, his work should be distinctive.
Digne wouldn’t arrive as a young player looking to establish himself now. He could go back as a worldwide skilled person capable of providing management and reliable team intensity.
Why the Deal Makes Sense for PSG
PSG have moved away from a transfer approach that has since focused heavily on superstar names.
Today’s approach to adding to the team has placed added emphasis on building a balanced team, and Digne would represent such an approach.
He is already familiar with French football, enjoys the Champions League, and will no longer need to bear the stress of being an automatic starter.
The reported release clause makes the move financially attractive.
In a marketplace in which full-backs can command substantial prices, the signing of a confirmed French global for just over €10 million could represent good business.
Digne’s passing ability and experience could also provide Luis Enrique with a good enough option for rotating his squad.
Aston Villa Could Lose an Experienced Defender
For Aston Villa, Digne’s departure would mean losing one of the most experienced members of Unai Emery’s squad.
Since arriving from Everton in January 2022, the Frenchman has become an important option at Villa Park and has contributed both defensively and going forward.
However, the existence of a relatively affordable release clause could leave Villa with limited control if PSG decide to push ahead and Digne wants the move.
The Premier League club may therefore need to consider possible replacements before the summer transfer window closes.
PSG Ready to Bring Digne Home
Nothing official, though, but PSG’s interest in Lucas Digne is a fascinating improvement to the squad.
The move could offer the French champions an experienced alternative to Nuno Mendes, as well as offering Digne the chance to return to a club he has already represented in his career.
At this stage of his career, first arriving in Paris as a 19-year-old, the position of a sole conceiver must be very extraordinary.
But after more than a decade, Lucas Digne could be ready to don a PSG shirt again.
If a settlement is reached, it may show that it’s a reasonable deal for anyone concerned.
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