Aston Villa could be presented with surprise transfer offer if £4m Liverpool move fails
Atletico Madrid Eye Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne as Backup Option if Andy Robertson Pursuit Falls Through
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering Aston Villa’s experienced left-back Lucas Digne as a potential alternative signing this summer, should their primary target, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, prove unattainable.
Digne, now 32, has been a mainstay in Villa’s defensive lineup since his arrival from Everton in January 2022, when then-manager Steven Gerrard brought him to Villa Park. Despite stiff competition over the past couple of seasons from Spanish defender Alex Moreno and the more recent emergence of Dutch international Ian Maatsen, Digne has remained a key figure whenever fit. His consistency and experience have often earned him the starting role in crucial fixtures.
However, with Maatsen showing strong form toward the end of the 2024–25 season and Villa keen to secure their long-term future at left-back, there’s a growing sense that Digne could soon be on the move. Adding to the speculation is the fact that Digne’s current contract is due to expire in just a year’s time. That scenario makes a potential summer transfer more likely, especially if Villa receive an attractive offer and have a succession plan in place.
Atletico Madrid, who have already made some notable moves this transfer window—including permanently signing former Aston Villa defender Clément Lenglet—are in the market for reinforcements following the departures of veteran defenders César Azpilicueta and Axel Witsel. Diego Simeone, Atleti’s long-serving manager, has reportedly identified Andy Robertson as a top target to strengthen his back line.
The Scottish international has spent the past eight years at Liverpool, becoming a crucial part of their success under Jürgen Klopp. But with new head coach Arne Slot beginning to reshape the squad, and Liverpool pursuing a move for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez—who could cost as much as £45 million—the Reds may be open to letting Robertson leave. Should that domino fall, Atletico may swoop for the 30-year-old full-back, reports The Times.
Nevertheless, in the event Liverpool opt to retain Robertson, or if Atletico are unable to meet the financial demands for either him or Kerkez, the Spanish club could shift their attention to Digne. The French international, who was recently away on duty with the national team, admitted that while he feels settled at Villa, he is keeping an open mind about the future. Speaking to French media, Digne said: “I feel very comfortable there [at Villa], but you know that in football anything can happen. I’m open to anything. When there’s only one year left on your contract, everyone plays their part.”
Digne has previously come close to leaving Villa, notably when Ligue 1 side Nice expressed strong interest in signing him a couple of years ago. That move never materialized, and instead, he remained an integral part of Unai Emery’s squad. Under the Spaniard’s guidance, Villa have flourished, securing qualification for European competition for the third season running—a significant achievement given the club’s struggles in previous years.
Whether Digne stays to see out the final year of his contract or seeks a new challenge abroad, his future remains one of several key questions facing Villa this summer. For Atletico, he represents a seasoned and versatile option should their bid for Robertson not progress as planned.