Lucas Digne responds to message from exit-linked Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans
Lucas Digne has responded to a message from Aston Villa teammate Youri Tielemans with preparations for the 2025/26 season in full flow.
The Belgian midfielder has come into his own since moving to Villa Park as a free agent two summers ago.
Tielemans played a crucial role in Aston Villa’s run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and appeared in all but two of the club’s matches in the Premier League.
However, the Midlands side are struggling to comply with both UEFA and the Premier League‘s financial rules set in place.
Aston Villa sold their women’s team to chairman Nassef Sawiris, to avoid failing profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but Europe’s governing body does not allow such sales to be registered as profit.
As a consequence, Unai Emery’s side were fined by UEFA and face further punishments, which include a ban from European competition, if they continue to fail to comply with the rules.
In a bid to avoid such sanctions, Aston Villa have considered the idea of selling Tielemans, despite his stunning performances last term.
Youri Tielemans shares ‘full flow’ message
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the club, Tielemans shared several images on Instagram, captioned: “Full flow”.
Digne commented “50” with three fire emojis, and the defender also has plenty of doubt around his long-term future in the Midlands.
Aston Villa look to tie down Lucas Digne
Football Insider Verdict
According to MailOnline, Villa are set to offer Digne a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in under 12 months time.
The Frenchman was the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer, but the Spanish giants have since signed Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta.
The timing of the new deal is interesting. Digne remains a strong Premier League left-back, but at 32, the former Everton man’s value will plummet in the coming years.
Retaining the ex-Barcelona man also seemingly delays Ian Maatsen’s step up into the starting role on the left-hand side of the defence.
The Dutchman offers less balance than Digne, but after shelling out £37.5million [Sky Sports] for the former Chelsea man, it is hardly a show of faith from Villa’s hierarchy.