Lucas Digne’s Aston Villa career has to be over after underwhelming display vs Nottingham Forest
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
(Credit: Imago) Fri 1 May 2026 8:00, UK Lucas Digne was one of Aston Villa’s weakest players on Thursday during their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.Unai Emery’s side will now go into their Europa League semi-final tie at Villa Park with a one-goal disadvantage thanks to Chris Wood’s penalty.However, despite the controversy surrounding Elliot Anderson’s first-half challenge, Villa did little to threaten the hosts.Multiple players underperformed. However, perhaps no one was worse than Dinge, who gave away the penalty which led to Forest’s winner.Now, with Digne’s Aston Villa future already questionable, his career at Villa Park is now surely over. ⚽ Aston Villa Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Aston Villa fixture.
VISIT THE VILLA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Lucas Digne proved he cannot be trusted vs Nottingham ForestDigne’s form at Villa had been picking up in recent weeks. However, his performance against Forest was simply woeful.Up against Omari Hutchinson, the left-back had no answers for the winger, who continued to create opportunities for the hosts.Lucas Digne’s stats vs Nottingham ForestMinutes78Penalties conceded1Successful dribbles0%Accurate crosses17%Ground duels won 20%Digne struggled against Nottingham Forest.
Credit: FotmobThis eventually led to the penalty, with Digne stupidly putting his hands well above his head, giving the referee no decision but to award a spot kick.The match was arguably Villa’s biggest game of the season yet, and not only did Digne not turn up, but his performance ultimately led to their downfall.As a result, his career at Villa Park simply has to be over, and Emery must target a considerable upgrade for this position in the summer.If not, Digne could end up costing Villa more goals next season, something he has been continuously prone to doing.Will Digne leave Aston Villa in the summer?Former scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Aston Villa will entertain offers for Digne in the summer transfer window.Emery is keen to upgrade the left-back spot, and the recruitment team is already identifying potential replacements.The area has been identified as one of their top priorities, while Digne is also expected to be open to moving on should sufficient interest emerge.While Brown did say this back in February, surely Emery has not changed his mind, and Thursday’s performance is exactly why an upgrade is needed.However, it remains to be seen if any club actually comes in for the defender, and if they do, if Digne would be open to leaving Villa Park for that club. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.