Lucas Digne, a France defender, has completed his return to Paris Saint-Germain from Aston Villa. The 33-year-old full-back signed a three-year contract with the French club. This move marks Digne’s second stint with PSG, having previously played for them from 2013 to 2016.
PSG triggered a release clause in Digne’s contract, reported to be between seven and eight million euros, or between £6m and £7m. He had two years remaining on his contract with the Midlands club. Aston Villa confirmed Digne’s departure, acknowledging him as a professional who was highly respected by his teammates and staff.
Digne’s Career Path and Return
Digne initially joined PSG in 2013 from Lille for 15 million euros. During his first spell, he made 44 competitive appearances over two years. He then moved to Roma on loan before making a permanent switch to Barcelona in 2016 for 16.5 million euros. His career also included periods at Everton and Aston Villa before his current return to Paris Saint-Germain.
At 33, Digne is PSG’s oldest new signing since 2021, when Lionel Messi, then 34, and Sergio Ramos, then 35, joined the club. He is expected to provide support at left-back, backing up Nuno Mendes. Digne expressed his honour at returning, noting the club’s development and the exceptional working conditions at the Campus.
Digne played a significant role for Aston Villa last season, featuring mostly in their starting XI. He contributed to the Birmingham club finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League. This summer, he also played for the French national team in the World Cup, serving as the first-choice left-back during the knockout stage.
Other Summer Transfers
Digne is the fourth new signing for PSG this summer. Prior to his arrival, Maghnes Akliouche, a 24-year-old right winger, joined from Monaco for 50 million euros. Khalil Ayari, a 21-year-old right winger, came from Stade Tunisien for 1.5 million euros, and Alessandro Longoni, an 18-year-old goalkeeper, arrived on a free transfer from AC Milan.
In other transfer news, Fulham has agreed a deal for Shea Charles from Southampton for £30m. Charles, a Northern Ireland international, is expected to sign a five-year deal. The initial fee is £26m, with an additional £4m dependent on performance. He will join Jonah Kusi-Asare, Gonzalo García, and César Palacios as summer signings for Fulham.
Trevoh Chalobah’s move from Chelsea to Como has been confirmed for an initial £25.7m, with a five-year contract. Chalobah expressed his excitement to join Cesc Fàbregas’s side, highlighting the ambitious project. Fàbregas stated that Chalobah is a leader who can elevate the team’s performance.
Gustavo Hamer has rejoined Coventry from Sheffield United for a fee of £6m plus add-ons. He becomes Coventry’s sixth signing since their return to the top flight. Additionally, Idrissa Gueye, 36, has joined Saudi Pro League newcomers Diriyah as a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season.
Hull has completed the signing of Swedish wing-back Elliot Stroud from Mjallby. The 24-year-old, who featured in every game for his country at the World Cup, has signed a four-year deal. Reports also link Sporting’s centre-half Ousmane Diomande with a £30m move to Nottingham Forest, with the Ivorian international reportedly traveling to the UK from Portugal to complete his medical.
Diomande is understood to be the top target for new Forest manager Oliver Glasner, envisioned to play a key role in the German’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. Meanwhile, Gueye played in all four of Senegal’s World Cup matches this summer as his country advanced to the last 32.
Source: goal.com