Abdoulaye Doucoure reacts to Lucas Digne amid Aston Villa exit talk
Abdoulaye Doucoure has reacted to Lucas Digne’s message amid the left-back’s links to an Aston Villa exit.
After joining from Watford back in 2020, Doucoure announced his Everton exit this summer, having scored three Premier League goals last term.
The Mali international played alongside Digne in Merseyside before the France international moved to Villa in 2022.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Digne has opened talks with Atletico Madrid ahead of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Doucoure reacts to Digne’s post amid Atletico Madrid transfer news
Digne proved his worth last term by helping Aston Villa reach the Champions League quarter-finals and the FA Cup semi-finals.
But the defender’s performances have not gone unnoticed, amid the interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, taking to Instagram [23 June], Digne shared a photo of himself relaxing during the post-season break.
The post attracted a like from former Everton teammate Doucoure.
Ian Maatsen is ready to replace Digne at Aston Villa
Football Insider verdict
Digne has once again proven himself as a key player for Unai Emery’s men by making 32 Premier League appearances last term, producing four assists in the process.
| Lucas Digne stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 4 |
The France international’s potential exit would hurt the West Midlands club, but fellow left-back Ian Maatsen could be a worthy replacement for the former Everton man.
Thanks to Digne’s presence, Maatsen made just 10 Premier League starts last term, albeit he made a further 19 top-flight outings as a substitute.
But the former Chelsea man showed his class when he reached the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund in 2024, and has helped the Netherlands progress to the semi-finals of this summer’s Under-21 Euros.
Maatsen has a big opportunity to shine when the Netherlands take on Lee Carsley’s England side on Wednesday, 25 June, while he should enjoy plenty of first-team minutes at Villa next season if Digne leaves.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has been tipped to join Emery’s side in a Villa News exclusive.