PSG re-sign France defender Lucas Digne from Aston Villa on three-year deal

Return to Paris

PSG announced the signing of France left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa on a three-year contract running until 2029. The 33-year-old returns to the French capital after an earlier spell at the club, with PSG activating a release clause reported at £8.5 million ($11.46 million) by British media, while The New York Times placed the clause in the region of €7-8 million. Digne had two seasons remaining on his Villa deal but was attracted by the prospect of returning to Paris, with PSG sources indicating negotiations were accelerated at the player's initiative.

Digne expressed his feelings about the move.

“I am very honoured to be returning to Paris St Germain following the wonderful experience I had here more than 10 years ago. I cannot wait to start this new chapter and put all my experience at the service of the team.”

Career path

Digne began his professional career at Lille before joining PSG, where he spent either two or three seasons depending on the source. Reuters and SAPO place him at PSG between 2013 and 2015, while The New York Times cites 2013 to 2016. He made 30 appearances during that first spell before leaving for Roma on loan and then joining Barcelona in 2016 at the request of then-Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. After two seasons at Barcelona, where he won a La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies and a Spanish Super Cup, Digne moved to Everton in 2018 and spent four years in the Premier League before joining Aston Villa.

Villa achievements and departure

At Villa Park, Digne spent four-and-a-half seasons and became a key player under manager Unai Emery. He made 32 Premier League appearances last season and started 11 matches, including the final, in Villa's Europa League triumph, the club's first silverware since 1996. A France international since 2014, Digne has earned 64 caps and represented his country at two World Cups, most recently starting the semi-final loss to Spain at the 2026 tournament.

His future at Villa had become uncertain, with 24-year-old deputy left-back Ian Maatsen viewed as a long-term solution. Digne is the third senior departure from Villa Park this summer, following Morgan Rogers to Chelsea on a £117 million deal and Youri Tielemans to Manchester United. Villa have also been active in the incoming market, signing Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £35 million and finalising a club-record deal for Johan Manzambi from Freiburg.

Digne (out to PSG)8.5

Rogers (out to Chelsea)117

Joao Gomes (in from Wolves)35

Digne (out to PSG)

8.5 £m

Rogers (out to Chelsea)

117 £m

Joao Gomes (in from Wolves)

35 £m

Data from the article text

Role at PSG

Digne arrives at a PSG side that won their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title in 2025-26 and secured a second successive Champions League by beating Arsenal on penalties in the 2026 final. He is set to provide competition for first-choice left-back Nuno Mendes, the Portugal international who started in that position last season. Lucas Hernández can also play at left-back or centre-back, giving coach Luis Enrique rotation options across the defensive line. Digne previously worked under Luis Enrique at Barcelona. PSG begin their Ligue 1 campaign against Rennes on August 23.