Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - January 4, 2023 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Hwang Hee-chan in action with Aston Villa's Lucas Digne Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne‘s future at the club is in doubt, with manager Unai Emery reportedly unsure about his worth moving forward.
The Lowdown: Digne out of favour at Villa
The Frenchman joined the Villans last year but his time at the club has ultimately been disappointing, with his performances not matching his reputation and just two goals and four assists coming his way in 36 appearances.
This season, Digne has increasingly found himself struggling for playing time since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard, not completing a full 90 minutes since New Year’s Day.
The 29-year-old’s current Villa expires in 2026 but a fresh update suggests that he could depart in the near future.
The Latest: Left-back’s future in doubt
Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that Emery has doubts over Digne’s worth as a player.
Asked if there is a genuine chance the Frenchman leaves this year, he said:
“Yeah, I do [think there is]. The fact that Emery brought in Alex Moreno maybe tells me that he’s not 100% sure on Digne.”
The Verdict: Exodus at the back?
Digne is a talented footballer – he was hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Marco Silva during their Everton days – but there is no doubt that he has flattered to deceive for Villa, especially as he is on a whopping £120,000 per week, which puts him fourth in the squad’s highest earners.
The arrival of Alex Moreno from Real Betis has pushed the 46-time capped France international down the pecking order and it seems clear that Emery doesn’t rate him particularly highly.
The gaffer also seemingly has issues with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, slamming the ‘keeper’s decision to go up for the late corner against Arsenal this weekend, following reports in December that the Spaniard ‘can’t stand’ his number one shot-stopper.
It seems there could be quite the overhaul at the heart of Villa’s defence this summer.
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