- Unai Emery is reportedly not planning on keeping both Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen at the club this summer
- Emery is targeting a bigger, more physical profile
- Lucas Digne was the first-choice left-back throughout the majority of the season
Unai Emery is said to be planning on moving one of Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen on this summer, as he targets a bigger, more physical profile at left-back. Aston Villa are yet to receive any offers for either of them, but will consider them should they arrive.
For several seasons, Unai Emery’s system heavily relied on traditional, overlapping, and technically astute fullbacks. Digne has largely served as the first-choice option, providing more experience and consistency, while Maatsen has struggled for regular starts since joining the club in 2024.
However, according to Jacob Tanswell from The Athletic, this summer may see a clear pivot towards greater physical presence and defensive robustness. He has reported that Emery is seeking a left-sided defender who is a more physical profile.
This would offer the tactical flexibility to seamlessly transition into a hybrid back-three during building phases, something Emery utilises for the right side of the defence.
Who could Villa bring in?
To address this specific profile, Emery and the recruitment team will be surveying the market for versatile targets who offer a blend of physical presence and tactical flexibility.
One option that has been firmly on the club’s radar is Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza. His contract is due to expire at the end of this month, making him a free agent.
Standing at 6ft tall, the former Barcelona academy graduate fits the structural needs of the squad perfectly. While primarily recognised as a right-back or right wing-back in Spain, Mingueza boasts the specific versatility to deputise at left-back when required.
His defensive work rate, coupled with an innate ability to tuck inside as a third centre-back or act as an inverted fullback, aligns directly with Emery’s fluid back-three adaptations.
Financial reality forces sales
While Emery is determined to reshape his backline, Villa must navigate strict financial boundaries. Tanswell notes that Villa’s recruitment strategy remains tightly bound to strict financial rules, meaning any notable incomings are heavily dependent on player outgoings.
To fund this new profile, Villa will have to sanction the sale of either Digne or Maatsen. Digne’s significant experience makes him a valuable asset, and he’s proved his worth this season. Furthermore, the Frenchman previously signed a new contract on reduced terms after impressing Emery, making him more likely to stay.
Meanwhile, Maatsen still has plenty of time to develop and improve. However, last season especially, his performances declined, and he seemed to struggle.
The question remains whether Villa would recoup the majority of the £38 million they spent on him, which may dictate the potential of his departure, though he seems the most probable out of the two.
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Ultimately, Emery’s pursuit of a physically imposing left-back signals a ruthless determination to elevate Villa’s tactical floor.
While navigating strict financial boundaries complicates this mission, the club’s strategy is transparent: offloading either Digne or Maatsen is the vital first step to balancing the books.
If the club can successfully engineer a departure, most likely Maatsen, given his market value, it clears the runway for a versatile, more physical presence like Mingueza.
Ensuring the squad possesses the hybrid defensive flexibility Emery craves will be crucial if Villa intends to maintain their competitive edge on both domestic and European fronts next season.
