Oct 25, 2020; Southhampton, England, UK; Red card for Lucas Digne for his foul on Kyle Walker-Peters during an English Premier League match at St. Mary's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stuart Martin-USA TODAY NETWORK

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Lucas Digne Set to Extend Aston Villa Stay with New Two-Year Deal

Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne is closing in on a contract extension that would keep him at Villa Park until 2028, with both parties optimistic about finalising terms in the coming days.

Lucas Digne has verbally agreed a new contract at #AVFC until 2028.

Emery was keen for 32yo to stay despite his future being uncertain earlier this summer, with Villa outlining intentions to commit to a new deal over the past month. Story @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/uJixQxR0Wi
— Jacob Tanswell (@J_Tanswell) August 6, 2025

Digne, 32, had entered the final year of his current deal this summer and was the subject of transfer speculation, with several clubs monitoring his situation. However, despite the potential for a move, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made it clear that he considers the French defender a key part of his plans, and the club have moved swiftly to secure his long-term future.

Emery Trusts Digne Amid Villa’s Ambitious Project

Villa’s desire to retain Digne is in line with their ambition to compete for silverware and return to the Champions League after narrowly missing out on a top-four finish last season. The experienced full-back played a pivotal role in their campaign, racking up 45 appearances across all competitions and contributing seven assists from the left flank.

While the summer represented the club’s best opportunity to sell Digne and recoup a fee, the player’s preference to stay, coupled with Emery’s backing, has led to a shift in strategy. Digne has already given a verbal agreement to continue at the club, with both parties expected to iron out final details in upcoming meetings.

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From a player perspective, staying in the Premier League — particularly at a club on the rise like Villa — significantly boosts Digne’s hopes of making the France squad for the 2026 World Cup. The recent departure of Lucas Hernandez to the Saudi Pro League has opened the door for Digne to stake a claim as Les Bleus’ first-choice left-back. However, the former Barcelona and Everton man will need to maintain high standards to stay ahead of in-house competition from Ian Maatsen, who will be pushing for more minutes this season.

Villa Continue to Build for the Future

With Europa League football on the horizon and a strong domestic campaign expected, Villa are actively working to reinforce key areas while also securing continuity within their core squad. Extending Digne’s contract is part of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining a blend of experience and youth, as the club target a top-five finish and a deep European run.

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Though the deal is not yet signed, all indications suggest it is only a matter of time before Digne puts pen to paper and continues his journey under Emery at Villa Park.