Aston Villa could reportedly find it difficult to keep both Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen amid ongoing financial limitations this summer.
The left-back duo have been crucial pieces in our squad under Unai Emery, giving us competition and depth in that position to help us compete across multiple fronts.
While Maatsen, 24, had been considered the long-term solution given his age, pace and athleticism, Digne, 32, was a reliable and solid option in defence once again last season and continues to play a key role for us.
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However, according to The Athletic, there is a sense at the club that it might prove to be difficult to keep both of them beyond this summer, as we continue to strive to adhere to the SCR parameters and having both on the books may well be a strain on the wage bill.
If that is indeed the case, it would be a huge shame to have to let one of them leave, as the pair complement each other well and give Emery tactical flexibility and different options with their superior characteristics either going forward or defensively.
It’s arguably fair to say though that Maatsen failed to take his opportunity to cement his place in the side last season and that leaves him vulnerable to be moved on, but despite taking a reported wage cut last year, Digne isn’t getting any younger and so shifting his salary could still be the smarter option.
Ultimately, it’s a shame that Villa remain in this predicament at a time when we should be looking to build on our success from last season and continue to improve and kick on under Emery.
Unfortunately though, it’s a reality of the situation that we find ourselves in as we look to comply with domestic and UEFA financial regulations and subsequently avoid any action being taken against us.
The club is no doubt continuing to strive to increase revenue levels as seen through our commercial work and the increase in the capacity of Villa Park, but in the short-term, based on the report above, it would seem as though we might continue to face familiar difficulties in the summer transfer window with exits needed to balance the books and fund incomings.