July 14, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Lucas Digne set to return to PSG after secret deal with Aston Villa

The summer transfer window at Paris Saint-Germain is poised to heat up once the 2026 World Cup concludes, with a surprise signing already finalized: Lucas Digne, the 32-year-old left-back of the French national team, is set to return to the Parc des Princes a decade after his departure. The club has activated his release clause, valued at around €10 million, to bring him back as a backup to Nuno Mendes.

French national team players in a huddle

While representing France on the global stage, Digne has quietly secured his future, revealing to his teammates that an agreement with PSG is in place. The announcement sparked playful teasing in the French squad’s locker room, where his colleagues joked that the team was turning into a Paris Saint-Germain assembly hall.

Confirmed in the locker room: Digne’s PSG move is a done deal

Insiders close to the situation confirm that Digne has not only verbalized his intention to join PSG but has also committed to a three-year contract. The final hurdle—securing the release clause—will be cleared once he becomes a free agent post-World Cup. The move reflects a strategic choice for the player, who prioritizes stability and family comfort over a potentially higher financial offer elsewhere.

Why Digne chose PSG over bigger paydays

The veteran defender’s decision stems from more than just football ambitions. His family, including his children who are ardent Paris Saint-Germain supporters, will now call the French capital home. The allure of Parisian life, combined with the opportunity to contribute to a project he believes in, outweighed the temptation of lucrative alternatives. As the transfer saga unfolds, it’s clear that Digne is embracing a new chapter—one where loyalty and personal fulfillment take precedence.