Aston Villa Left Back Eyed by Atletico Madrid as Backup Option | OneFootball

Lucas Digne on Atletico Madrid Radar Amid Robertson Uncertainty

Atletico Madrid Eye Digne as Robertson Talks Stall

As transfer windows open, so too do possibilities. And for Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne, that possibility may soon lie in La Liga once again. According to The Times, “Atletico Madrid have placed Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne on a list of alternative options should their interest in Andrew Robertson reach a dead end.”

With Atletico keen to strengthen at left-back, their interest in Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson reflects the need for immediate quality in a key area. Yet with Liverpool’s hierarchy weighing the long-term succession plan for the Scotland international and holding firm on transfer strategy, the Spanish club is preparing contingencies. Digne, experienced, reliable, and technically adept, fits the bill.

The Frenchman’s situation mirrors Robertson’s in key ways: both are 31, both are entering the final year of their current contracts, and both possess the tactical intelligence to balance defence and attack, qualities Diego Simeone holds in high regard.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Kerkez Move Impacts Robertson Future

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has added further uncertainty to Robertson’s future. The Times notes that “Talks with Bournemouth on a deal for Kerkez have been taking place for weeks and are expected to accelerate.” Richard Hughes, now Liverpool’s sporting director, originally signed Kerkez for Bournemouth, and is trying to negotiate down the £45 million valuation.

Liverpool’s strategy is clear. They want to secure a long-term successor while maintaining depth, particularly with four competitions on the horizon. Yet the club’s handling of contracts for players over 30 has been consistent, and Robertson has so far received no offer to extend his deal. As he revealed, “good discussions” have taken place, but those have not materialised into terms.

Atletico, aware of this dynamic, reportedly hope to strike a cut-price deal, with suggestions they would offer as little as €5 million (£4.2 million). It’s a number that might tempt Liverpool if they can secure Kerkez and if Robertson signals a willingness to move.

Photo: IMAGO

Digne’s Career Arc and Value to Villa

Digne’s name on Atletico’s shortlist is no surprise. His CV speaks for itself. With experience at Barcelona, Everton, and now Villa, the left-back has navigated top-level football across Europe. Since joining Villa in January 2022, he has provided steady presence and technical output down the flank.

Yet with Villa looking to build under Unai Emery, particularly with Champions League football secured, questions linger over whether Digne is part of the next phase. His contract runs for one more year, and his wages and age profile may make him a logical candidate to depart if the right offer emerges.

Simeone reportedly admires Digne’s “ability to attack and defend,” and the prospect of a return to Spain may suit the Frenchman, who has previously expressed admiration for the intensity and style of La Liga.

Photo: IMAGO

Wirtz Deal Signals Changing Landscape

While Digne and Robertson occupy the headlines at left-back, Liverpool are also preparing to make a major splash elsewhere. The Times reports that Florian Wirtz is “due to undergo a medical at the end of the week to seal his record-breaking move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, for a fee that could eventually rise to £116 million.”

That scale of investment underscores a broader transition at Anfield, one where younger players are being prioritised, and where seasoned names like Robertson may find their futures increasingly uncertain.

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For Aston Villa fans, Lucas Digne’s potential departure would be a bittersweet moment. His arrival in 2022 felt like a coup, a player with Barcelona pedigree joining mid-season to steady the ship under Steven Gerrard. Since then, he’s been a dependable outlet down the left, offering creativity and width when needed.

But time waits for no one. With Villa now in the Champions League and Emery seeking a more aggressive tactical identity, Digne’s role has started to feel transitional. His defensive solidity is there, but younger, faster options may be needed for the high-stakes games ahead.

That said, selling him to a club like Atletico Madrid would reflect well on Villa’s standing. It’s not a cut-price exit to a mid-table side, it’s a calculated move to a Champions League regular. And if Villa can secure a decent fee and reinvest wisely, few fans would begrudge him the chance to close out his career in La Liga.

The key, of course, is replacement. Digne’s departure should only be greenlit if Villa are confident in either internal options or a quality signing. But for a player in his 30s, with one year left on his deal, now might just be the right time.