Aston Villa face tough decision as Turkish club targets key defender

Turkish champions Galatasaray have submitted a loan offer for Aston Villa's experienced left-back, Lucas Digne. With the new season looming and the UEFA Champions League campaign on the horizon, the Istanbul-based club sees Digne as a vital addition to their squad.

According to a report from French publication Foot Mercato, Galatasaray considers Digne a "sure bet" and has proposed a loan deal to secure his services until the end of the 2024/25 season. The Turkish side's eagerness to bring in the Frenchman stems from their lack of depth in the left-back position, with Derrick Köhn being their only option.

Since joining Aston Villa in January 2022 for £25.7 million, Digne has been an integral part of the team, making 93 appearances, including 46 last season under Unai Emery's guidance. However, the recent signing of Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £37.5 million has created competition for the left-back spot, potentially pushing Digne into a backup role.

Maatsen's arrival has given Emery and Aston Villa's director of football, Monchi, a significant decision to make regarding Digne's future. While the club would prefer to offload Alex Moreno, no offers have been received for the Spaniard. Digne's experience and reliability make him a valuable asset, but Financial Fair Play and Profit & Sustainability Rules might necessitate player sales to facilitate further signings.

The Turkish champions' interest in Digne intensified after their 5-0 defeat to rivals Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup, which exposed their defensive vulnerabilities. Galatasaray's need for a left-back became more pressing following the departure of Patrick van Aanholt. However, the proposed loan deal might not align with Villa's long-term plans.

Throughout his career, Digne has played for notable clubs such as LOSC Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, and Barcelona, accumulating 37 appearances in UEFA club competitions since 2012. Despite his age, Digne remains an important player for Villa, and Emery might be hesitant to let him go, especially on a temporary basis, as the club prepares for their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Aston Villa's qualification for the UEFA Champions League adds complexity to the situation, requiring the club to strike a balance between maintaining squad depth and managing financial constraints. While retaining experienced cover is crucial, keeping the squad manageable is equally important, meaning that either Digne or Moreno could be allowed to leave if a suitable offer arrives.

Galatasaray is not the only club interested in securing Digne's services, with Saudi Arabian clubs also showing interest. This suggests that Villa might receive more bids in the near future. Ultimately, the decision to let Digne go, even on a loan deal, will be beneficial for both parties involved.