Aston Villa may have to lose at least one of two ‘popular’ players this summer in their bid to get around Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).
The euphoria at securing a Champions league spot for next season has been dampened by the need to sell one or two high-profile players in order to avoid breaching PSR.
Jhon Duran and Douglas Luiz both look set to depart, with Aston Villa expected to have to raise around £58.3 million prior to the 30th June PSR deadline in order to ensure they are complaint with spending rules.
The departures may not end there, though, with manager Unai Emery said to be weighing up which of two players should be sold in order to allow an upgrade to be signed in the same position.
Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno want to stay at Aston Villa
It is no secret that Emery is keen to upgrade a number of positions ahead of a Champions League campaign.
Full-back looks to be one of the key areas and the fact Villa identified Sevilla left-back Marcus Acuna as a target last summer almost saw Lucas Digne leave, but the Frenchman was determined to stay at Villa Park.
It proved a good decision, as Alex Moreno‘s campaign was blighted by injury and Digne replaced him as the first-choice in the position, but one of the pair could leave this summer as Villa remain keen on an upgrade.
If this does happen, Villa will be losing a well-liked player amongst the dressing room regardless of whether it is Digne or Moreno that departs.
According to The Athletic, both left-backs are ‘highly popular’ among team-mates and ‘want to stay at Villa’.
They have been described as ‘big characters in different ways, with Moreno more vocal. He also likes to sing and dance while Digne shares a different level of dedication off the field, where he keeps a small circle of friends.’
Digne’s mindset has also been credited by those who know him, with his ability to recover from injuries ahead of schedule cited as a reason.
Unai Emery has decision to make on Aston Villa left-back situation
Whilst it is never wise to lose players who are big voices in the dressing room, Villa cannot afford to keep both Digne and Moreno at the club next season if they want a new left-back.
Moreno only started 11 Premier League games last season due to a hamstring injury and then Emery favouring Digne upon his return.
Both players will be 31 by the start of the 2024/25 season, with another factor being that Digne is one of the club’s highest earners on £120k-a-week.
The previously linked Acuna does not help in terms of bringing in a more sustainable option given the Argentine is 32 himself and would likely demand sizeable wages.
Therefore, Emery and Monchi may have to scour the market for a cost effective player who can improve the left side of the Villa defence and has years on his side.
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