Lille Want To Sign This Aston Villa Star In The Summer: Should The Midlands Club Cash In? | OneFootball

Recent reports from French outlet Media Foot suggest that LOSC Lille want to bring Aston Villa player Lucas Digne back to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy this summer. The experienced left-back started his professional career with the Ligue 1 side. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2013.

Lille Eye Emotional Reunion with Villa Stalwart Lucas Digne

Now, a return to his boyhood club looks more likely as the season heads into the home stretch. Digne is still a key part of the Aston Villa squad under Unai Emery. Even so, the chance for a nostalgic move back home might influence his decision.

The French international defender has a contract at Villa Park through 2028. He signed that extension only last August to help the club stay on the right side of financial rules. He brings vital leadership to the dressing room and puts in solid performances on the pitch.

So, the English side might think twice before agreeing to any sale. Villa are in a great spot in the Premier League right now. As of February 19, 2026, they sit in third place with 50 points after 26 matches. This means any club interested will have to put together a massive offer to convince the Villa hierarchy to sell such a dependable player in the summer.

A Tactical Crossroads for the Villans

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Lucas Digne of Aston Villa gestures to team-mates during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on February 14, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

The idea of going back to France is a nice story, but the move has to make sense on paper, too. Digne is 32 years old now. Still, he keeps getting called up for the France national team. His fitness levels and skill on the ball remain top-tier. He has excellent crossing ability and a sense of where to be that younger players often lack. This makes him a perfect mentor for someone like Ian Maatsen.

There is also the question of how the squad at B6 is built. The club must balance high-earning veterans with the need for younger, faster players. Lille might offer around £10 million for a player who is starting to reach the end of his prime.

If they do, Unai Emery might see it as a good chance to cash in and find a younger replacement. However, this move carries risk. A team can lose a leader while things are going well, and that could mess with the chemistry they need for a big Champions League run next season.

Villa occupy a top-four spot today, so they are in a strong position and do not need to sell for the sake of it. In the end, the decision rests on Digne. He has to decide if he wants one last run in his home country or if he would rather stay as a leader in this exciting project in the West Midlands.