Lucas Digne could follow Tielemans out of Villa as PSG eye clause
Paris Saint-Germain are weighing a release clause in Lucas Digne's Aston Villa contract—reportedly near £10m—after his strong France World Cup displays, and the left-back could follow Youri Tielemans out if PSG trigger it once Les Bleus finish their campaign. Villa want to keep Digne, but the clause may force a sale they would rather avoid this summer.
Key Takeaways
- PSG are targeting Lucas Digne after his four World Cup starts for France, including full matches against Paraguay and Morocco.
- Reports cite a release clause of about £10m that could let PSG open talks once Digne's international duty ends.
- Villa already face losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United after his £35m clause was triggered, plus a long lay-off for Amadou Onana.
- Digne remains Unai Emery's preferred left-back and is under contract until 2028 after extending last summer.
- Villa face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on 12 August.
Why is PSG interested in Lucas Digne now?
European champions Paris Saint-Germain have been impressed by Lucas Digne's performances during France's run to the World Cup semi-finals. According to Sports Mole, Luis Enrique wants the 32-year-old as cover behind Nuno Mendes, widely regarded as one of the world's leading left-backs.
Digne previously represented PSG between 2013 and 2016, making the link familiar. At Parc des Princes he would likely sit behind Mendes, but his experience and delivery from wide areas still appeal to a squad chasing continued dominance.
What does the reported release clause mean for Aston Villa?
Read Aston Villa notes that Digne signed a new deal last summer running to 2028, a move that appeared to protect Villa from losing a key player cheaply. The emergence of a clause below £10m therefore carries extra weight.
Villa would prefer not to negotiate Digne's departure unless the contractual mechanism leaves little choice. Selling would trim the wage bill and open a route for Ian Maatsen, yet a fee under £10m looks modest for an international who made 44 appearances last season.
Could Lucas Digne really leave after the World Cup?
Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse, cited by outlets on 13 July 2026, reported that PSG are contemplating activating the clause once Digne finishes with France. He has started four times at the tournament and played full matches against Paraguay and Morocco, strengthening his value at an awkward moment for Villa.
Emery had already been waiting on Digne's return because of France's extended run. Any exit would remove another senior figure from a squad juggling Premier League and Champions League football. Digne has four goals and 24 assists in 182 Villa appearances and has generally kept his spot ahead of Ian Maatsen.
How does this compare to Youri Tielemans leaving Villa?
Reports on 13 July suggested Manchester United have triggered Tielemans' £35m release clause. Villa are closing in on Johan Manzambi in a club-record deal, but Onana's knee injury—reportedly sidelining him until 2027—leaves midfield thin if Tielemans departs.
Where Tielemans could generate roughly £35m of profit on a 29-year-old signed for free, Digne's clause would bring far less despite his importance to Emery. Losing both in one window would test a manager who relies on seasoned performers in European ties.
What happens next for Unai Emery and Villa?
Villa's next meeting with PSG comes in the UEFA Super Cup on 12 August in Salzburg, adding an unusual subplot if talks advance before kick-off. Emery may need a replacement left-back with greater defensive reliability than Maatsen if Digne goes.
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