King Exclusive: Aston Villa ready to sell senior defender for just £5m this summer
Lucas Digne Set for Aston Villa Exit as Emery Trims Wage Bill Amid Financial Pressures
Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne appears to be heading for the exit door this summer, as manager Unai Emery and the club’s hierarchy look to slash the club’s wage bill and navigate financial fair play constraints.
The French international, who joined Villa from Everton in January 2022 for a fee of £25 million, has been a consistent and reliable performer over the past three and a half seasons. Known for his experience, crossing ability, and leadership at the back, Digne has played a crucial role in Villa’s resurgence under Emery.
Despite his value on the pitch, the club now faces a difficult crossroads. Digne, who turns 32 in July, is approaching the final year of his contract, and with Villa’s financial leeway restricted under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club is looking to offload high earners to stay within the league’s limits.
PSR Pressure Forcing Difficult Choices
Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are taking decisive action to address financial shortcomings, and Digne’s substantial wages reportedly place him among the club’s highest earners. Offloading him could free up crucial room on the wage sheet and open the door for younger, more sustainable replacements.
Sources close to the club indicate that Villa are willing to entertain offers in the region of £5 million to £10 million for the French full-back—a figure considered reasonable given his age, contract status, and past contributions.
> “Digne is 31 years old now and only has one year left on his deal,” former Villa scout Bryan King told Villa News. “Villa obviously feel like now is the right time to sell. If the offer is in the right range, I fully expect them to accept.”
European Interest Building for Digne
Interest in Digne is picking up across Europe, with Galatasaray recently emerging as the latest club linked with a move for the experienced left-back. Turkish outlet Footmercato (25 June) reported that the Super Lig giants have made inquiries about Digne’s availability and are also keen on his Villa teammate and Argentina No.1, Emiliano Martínez.
Earlier this transfer window, Atletico Madrid were reportedly exploring the possibility of a move for Digne as well, though no formal offer has yet materialized from the La Liga side.
Galatasaray, who are preparing for a title defense and Champions League campaign next season, see Digne’s experience and pedigree as an asset to bolster their defensive line.
Emery’s Rebuild Underway Amid Uncertainty
While Emery has overseen one of Villa’s most successful periods in recent memory, including a return to European competition and a credible Premier League campaign, the Spaniard now faces a major challenge.
The financial strain has already forced the sale of promising players such as Jhon Durán, while others like Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey have been linked with exits. Now, with Digne also on the chopping block, the complexion of Villa’s squad could change significantly in the coming weeks.
> “Unai Emery has built a competitive and cohesive unit, but this summer could reshape everything,” a club insider told Villa News. “There’s a degree of uncertainty around which senior players will still be here by the time the new season kicks off.”
Despite the turbulence, Emery remains focused on retooling the squad to stay competitive both domestically and in Europe. The Spaniard is expected to oversee a strategic rebuild, relying on younger talent and cost-effective signings who fit the club’s tactical identity.
Champions League Dream in the Balance
Villa’s participation in European competitions—possibly including the UEFA Champions League, depending on final UEFA rankings—raises the stakes for Emery’s summer business. If key players like Digne depart, the manager must ensure replacements are ready to step in and deliver.
Digne’s potential departure underscores the delicate balance Villa must strike between financial sustainability and on-field ambition. Letting go of such a seasoned figure is a blow, but it also reflects the evolving priorities of a club aiming to grow responsibly while competing at the highest level.