Lucas Dean could leave Aston Villa in 2024 as he earns £120,000 a week at Villa Park.
Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne could make a surprise exit from Villa Park during the summer transfer window as Unai Emery looks elsewhere.
According to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic (January 3), Emery is again targeting Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna, with Spain and football boss Monchi gaining in-depth knowledge of the Argentine World Cup winner during his time at Sevilla.
Any move for Acuna could only become a reality once Digne leaves Villa Park this summer.
A move for the Frenchman was mooted in pre-season, but it never materialized and given his £120,000-a-week wages, the move would appear to be a significant relief to the club’s finances.
Given Digne’s impressive form for Aston Villa this season, his massive wages at Birmingham would surely look to ease the financial pressure this summer, meaning a surprise exit is certainly on the cards.
This is surprising considering he was popular under Emery before picking up an injury against Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Few defenders in the Premier League have been as creative as the Aston Villa defender in the final third this season.
Digne ranks in the 94th percentile among defenders in the division in crosses per game, averaging 6.66 per 90 [Fbref].
Often these balls pose a huge threat to the penalty area. Digne takes more shots per game than 86% of left-backs in the Premier League and is a vital part of Aston Villa’s creative possession work.
The 30-year-old has provided just two assists in 18 Premier League games this season, but his performances and devastating influence on the left flank deserve more goals.
Compared to his Premier League position mates, Digne ranks in the 90th percentile in expected assists per game, but in the 69th percentile in assists per 90 minutes.
The Frenchman has been incredibly impressive off the ball too, averaging 1.1 interceptions per game and 1.7 tackles per game so far, completing 56% of all tackles and 63% of aerial duels.
Impressive reads like Digne are always known to provide easy opportunities when defending their own goal.
Digne leads Villa in several stats this season, including aerial duels won per game (1.6) [WhoScored].Ollie Watkins is next with “only” 1.1 per game, so Digne is a cut above the rest in that regard.
The former Everton man also leads in interceptions per game (1.2), crosses per game (1.7) and key passes per game (1.8).
It would certainly be really amazing to hear the latest news about Digne’s career at Villa Park.
That’s because he’s been on a roll since Emery first opened the club’s doors.
However, given the huge financial relief that Digne’s pay cut could bring to potential Monchi-led signings this year, it wouldn’t be surprising if Aston Villa took this cruel route in the summer transfer window.
It’s cruel, but necessary for the benefit of the club and as a measure of sustainability.
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