The second half of the season represents an uncertain scenario for several Aston Villa players, including Lucas Digne. Despite his constant participation in the Premier League, the French full-back’s future seems uncertain, especially after Unai Emery Digne ruled out continuity in the team.
Aston Villa, who already released Bertrand Traoré and loaned out young talent in the last transfer window, are still looking to trim down their squad. Despite starting most of the season’s games, Lucas Digne finds himself in a tricky position due to his high salary, being one of the highest-paid players in the team at £120,000 a week.
Consideration of his age of 30 and Aston Villa’s desire to plan for the long term could influence the decision to let Digne go, although it has not yet been decided who could take his place.
Zaniolo, for sale
Another player whose future at Aston Villa seems uncertain is Nicolo Zaniolo. Although the Italian midfielder made 24 appearances for the Villans during his loan spell, the purchase clauses in his contract do not guarantee he will stay permanently. Despite his commitment to Galatasaray until 2027, Zaniolo could return to Turkey at the end of his loan spell at Aston Villa.
As Unai Emery’s side prepare to face Sheffield United, currently fifth in the Premier League table, the departures of Digne and Zaniolo could be part of Aston Villa’s planned shakeup in the summer transfer market. Given the uncertainty over who the substitutes will be, these players could play games with their future in mind in the second half of the season as Aston Villa look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.