Digne and Rogers react to Aston Villa ace Maatsen’s message amid exit talk
Aston Villa star Ian Maatsen has taken to social media to issue a new update, prompting responses from numerous players including the likes of Morgan Rogers and Lucas Digne.
It has been a busy season for the left-back, who made the move to the Midlands back in last summer’s transfer window.
The 23-year-old joined Unai Emery’s side from Chelsea for a total package worth £70million, on a contract until the summer of 2030.
At times, Maatsen came in for criticism for his Aston Villa performances, but nonetheless managed to establish himself as a regular and reliable option on the left-hand side of defence in the end.
Ian Maatsen on international duty
With the club season over, the left-back is now representing Netherlands Under-21s at Euro 2025, helping them to qualify for the quarter finals of the competition this week.
Taking to his Instagram page to reflect on that success so far on Thursday (19 June), Maatsen simply wrote: “Quarter finals secured.”
In response his Aston Villa teammates Digne and Rogers were among those to show their support by liking the post.
Both of those players are facing uncertain futures, with Atletico Madrid identifying Digne as an alternative target to Andy Robertson from Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Rogers has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, following his impressive season with Emery’s side.
Other Aston Villa stars such as Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, Amadou Onana and Ezri Konsa also liked that post.
His former Chelsea teammates Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson also did the same, as did fellow Dutchman and Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert.
Aston Villa have left-back concern this summer
Football Insider Verdict
There may be some at Villa Park who are somewhat nervous about the left-back situation at the club right now.
If Digne does leave before the start of the season, that would leave Maatsen as the clear candidate to be first choice in that position for Emery’s side.
But with the Netherlands progressing in this tournament, that reduces the time he will have to rest and recover to ensure he is fresh for the start of the campaign.
That could make for a tough opening for Aston Villa to what is already set to be a busy season as they compete in the Europa League as well.
With that in mind, they may have to look at ways both to manage Maatsen’s minutes on his return, and the scenario that could lead to Digne departing the club before the window closes.