Lucas Digne returns to Paris Saint-Germain as Aston Villa release clause triggers move

Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of France left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa on a three-year contract running until the summer of 2029.

The 33-year-old returns to the French capital a decade after leaving the club, with the transfer understood to be worth about 7m euros. He becomes Paris Saint-Germain’s third signing of the summer as the reigning European champions prepare for the new season.

Digne will wear the number 12 shirt at Paris Saint-Germain. The club confirmed the transfer in a statement which read: “Paris Saint-Germain are delighted to announce the return of Lucas Digne. The France international defender has signed a contract with the capital club until 2029.”

His arrival is intended to strengthen the left-back position and provide experienced cover for Portugal international Nuno Mendes.

Digne’s move follows the arrivals of third-choice goalkeeper Alessandro Longoni and Norwegian midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who both joined on Thursday. The signings form part of a recruitment plan led by head coach Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos to improve the squad before the campaign begins.

Paris Saint-Germain were able to make the deal at a relatively modest cost after taking advantage of a release clause in Digne’s Aston Villa contract. That clause was set at just under 10m euros, allowing the club to secure a defender with extensive experience at the highest level without paying a significant transfer fee.

Digne spent four years at Aston Villa after joining the Birmingham club in January 2022. During that time, he established himself as a key member of Unai Emery’s side, making 182 appearances, scoring four goals and providing 24 assists.

He ended his Aston Villa career by helping the club win the Europa League in May. Emery’s team defeated German side Freiburg 3-0 in the final.

The previous season also saw Digne play a prominent role for France at the 2026 World Cup. He began the tournament as a substitute but moved ahead of Theo Hernandez in Didier Deschamps’ selection order and became the manager’s preferred option at left-back.

Digne is now returning to the club for whom he made 44 appearances between 2013 and 2016. He spent the final season of that spell on loan at Roma before leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

His return also reunites him with Luis Enrique, who previously worked with the defender during their time together at Barcelona. Digne has represented a number of prominent clubs during his professional career, including Lille, Everton, Barcelona, Roma and Aston Villa.

The transfer gives Paris Saint-Germain further depth in defence while bringing an experienced France international back to a club he first represented more than a decade ago. It also strengthens the squad as Enrique and Campos continue preparations for the club’s next campaign.