Aston Villa preparing to sell one of last season's top performers

Lucas Digne has been one of the highest earners at Villa Park since his arrival in January 2022. Digne was signed by Head Coach at the time Steven Gerrard for a fee of £25 million which saw the Frenchman sign a four-year contract worth around £125,000 per week.

Digne had an excellent campaign last time out and was a regular in the side as a result of his outstanding performances and Alex Moreno's injury problems. He started 27 of Villa's Premier League games last season and played a pivotal role in a number of the team's victories. Fans will remember his crucial goal to snatch a late win against Luton Town at Loftus Road in March as well as his assist for Leon Bailey's opening goal in the 2-0 win away at The Emirates in April.

Both in attack and defensively Lucas Digne did more than enough to solidify his place in the team but now he and the club are in a potentially difficult situation.

Having qualified for the UEFA Champions League, for which Digne played a key role, the player and his family are understood to be happy at the club and in Birmingham and have no desire to leave. Digne is reportedly very excited to be able to play for Villa in Europe's elite competition. However, Villa have been busy in the transfer window.

Ian Maatsen, who featured at left-back in last season's Champions League team of the season, has joined from Chelsea for £37.5 million whilst Samuel Iling-Junior has joined from Juventus. Both players are a lot younger than Digne, have lower wages and are expected to be in the team ahead of Digne. Therefore, the club are thought to be keen to get Digne's wages off the books and sell him this summer.

Both last summer and in January, Digne was a transfer target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and a deal was thought to be close last year. However, Unai Emery decided to keep the Frenchman due to the uncertainty over Moreno's fitness and that decision proved to be an excellent one as Digne went on to do very well for Emery and the team.

It is highly likely that should an offer be made for the French full-back this summer then Villa will be happy to allow him to leave. As mentioned, Digne's wages are high and at the age of 31 now is a good time for the club to be saying goodbye to him.

Villa will also listen to offers for Brazilian centre-back Diego Carlos who is in a similar position with regards to age and high wages.

UTV