Lucas Digne joins European giants as Aston Villa lose another key player this summer

Lucas Digne has left Aston Villa to re-join Paris Saint-Germain, it has been announced.

The French left-back returns to the club he left ten years ago after PSG triggered his release clause in a £6million deal.

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A verbal agreement was in place last month for the defender who represented France at the World Cup.

PSG in Luc

Upon re-joining PSG, with whom he was at for three years in his first spell, Digne said: “The club has changed, it’s reached another level.

“It’s really incredible to be back here! The Campus? Everything is in place to perform at the very highest level.”

Digne continued: “I can’t wait to see Marquinhos again. We signed for the club at the same time, and now he’s captain and has had an incredible journey, it’s fantastic for him!

“I know Luis Enrique from Barcelona, we had a very good experience together.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my France teammates, but also other people I got to know during my first spell here, such as the kit men. It’s really nice and you quickly feel at home.

“I’m coming back as a man. I’m also a different player. I’ve gained more maturity and experience, and I want to bring that experience to the squad and win lots of trophies.

“This club is built to win, it’s in its DNA. This squad is extremely ambitious, it proves that year after year, and that’s why everyone wants to come and play in Paris.”

Digne isn’t the only key player to have left Villa Park this summer with midfielder Youri Tielemans moving to Manchester United in a £35m deal, while forward Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea in a British record deal.

Digne signed for Aston Villa from Everton in 2022, making 182 appearances for the club in all competitions.

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Last season, he starred for Unai Emery‘s side, playing 31 times in the Premier League as they secured a top-four finish.

He provided four assists in the top flight, also featuring 11 times in the Europa League as Villa went on to win the competition.

Following the campaign, Digne headed to North America for the World Cup and played six games for France.

The 64-cap defender featured in just one group game, but got more game time as the tournament wore on before France lost to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.

His performances attracted interest from French giants PSG, who are set to make him back-up to Nuno Mendes.

Who could replace Digne?

talkSPORT understands that Atletico Madrid star Matteo Ruggeri is the main candidate to replace Digne at Aston Villa.

It is believed that a deal could be struck in the region of £17m for the 24-year-old.

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Ruggeri only made the move to the Wanda Metropolitano from Atalanta last summer, where he featured in 47 games across all competitions.

Villa are yet to agree personal terms with the defender, who is open to a move to a move to Midlands.

Release clause nightmare

Emery would have been planning for the new campaign with Tielemans and Digne in his ranks, however he’s lost both for low fees.

Tielemans’ shock switch to Manchester United materialised after the Red Devils pulled out of a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson.

Michael Carrick has been on the lookout for new midfielders, with the Belgian being followed by Andrey Santos from Chelsea through the door.

Villa acted fast to bring in a replacement for Tielemans, as they hijacked Newcastle’s move to bring in Johan Manzambi from Hoffenheim.

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Manzambi was close to signing for the Magpies, but he hesitated on making a decision, allowing Villa to enter talks.

Villa meanwhile have also sold Rogers to Chelsea in a £117m deal.

And they quickly replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho after snapping up the winger from the Blues on an initial loan deal.

Villa be coming up against Digne and PSG in their first competitive match of the season in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12, live on talkSPORT.

By winning the Europa League last term, they take on the Champions League winner in a battle of the European champions.