‘On shortlist’ – £25m Aston Villa gem eyed for shock Champions League transfer amid Liverpool revelation
Atletico Madrid Eye Lucas Digne as Backup Option Amid Stalled Robertson Talks
Atletico Madrid have reportedly expressed interest in signing Aston Villa’s experienced left-back Lucas Digne during the upcoming summer transfer window. However, this move is believed to hinge on whether their ongoing negotiations with Liverpool over a potential deal for Andrew Robertson reach an impasse.
The La Liga side are actively seeking reinforcements at full-back, with veteran defenders César Azpilicueta and Reinildo Mandava both expected to leave the club when their contracts expire this summer. As such, manager Diego Simeone is looking to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season. One of his primary targets appears to be Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, a player admired for his energy, work ethic, and top-level experience — traits that align with Simeone’s intense, combative playing philosophy at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Robertson, a key figure in Liverpool’s recent success, including a Champions League title and two Premier League championships, is reportedly nearing an exit from Anfield. At 31 years of age, he is thought to be approaching the twilight of his career, though he still has plenty to offer at the highest level. His departure could be accelerated by the anticipated arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, who is being groomed as the Reds’ future starter at left-back.
Despite their interest, Atletico Madrid are facing difficulties in agreeing on a transfer fee for Robertson. According to The Times, the Spanish club are looking to secure the Scotland international for around €5 million (£4.25 million) — a valuation Liverpool believe significantly underestimates the player’s worth, even at this stage of his career. With negotiations stalling, Atletico may be forced to consider alternative targets.
One of those alternatives is Lucas Digne, who has reportedly been identified as a credible backup option. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the French international is firmly on Atletico’s radar, although any formal approach would likely come with a limited financial offer, as the club seeks to manage their summer budget carefully.
Digne’s future at Aston Villa is uncertain. Although the club are under financial pressure due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Villa are not keen on parting with the left-back just yet. The Birmingham-based outfit are instead prioritizing the sale of other high-value players, such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and winger Leon Bailey, in hopes of generating the necessary funds to remain compliant with financial regulations.
However, Digne’s high salary presents another challenge. He is among the top earners at Villa Park, and with the club qualifying for European competition next season, they must also adhere to UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules (SCR). These rules limit clubs to spending no more than 70% of their total revenue on player wages, a threshold Villa are currently struggling to meet. As a result, offloading Digne — despite the technical loss — could provide some much-needed relief on the financial front.
From a sporting perspective, manager Unai Emery is reluctant to lose the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona defender. Digne has been an integral part of the squad, frequently rotating with Ian Maatsen on the left flank. Known for his pinpoint delivery and consistency in wide areas, Digne remains one of the Premier League’s most accurate crossers, and his departure would represent a significant blow to Villa’s attacking depth.
Since making the move from Everton in 2022 for a reported £25 million fee, Digne has made 138 appearances in all competitions for Villa — more than at any other club in his career. During this time, he has scored four goals and contributed 17 assists, with the 2024–25 campaign proving to be his most effective creatively.
Now 31, and with just a year remaining on his current contract, Digne’s long-term future at Villa is very much up in the air. While he could potentially remain for one final season, there’s growing speculation that a summer departure could still materialize — especially if Atletico come calling with a concrete offer and Liverpool refuse to lower their asking price for Robertson.
Whether Lucas Digne will still be a Villa player by the start of the new season remains to be seen, but the coming weeks are likely to be decisive in shaping his next career move.