3 Ligue 1 Players That Could Replace Lucas Digne at PSG
Recent reports in Italy and France, per Peter O’Rourke of ESPN FC, report that Serie A side AS Roma are closing in on a deal that will take Lucas Digne on a season-long loan to the Italian capital.
Paris Saint-Germain will let the left-back leave on an initial loan deal, with Rudi Garcia’s side having the option to purchase the France international. The 22-year-old played under the French boss at Lille and will be hoping to push on after a disappointing spell in the capital.
With Digne’s departure, it will force the Parisians back into the transfer market to replace the full-back. Laurent Blanc made it clear July, per ESPN FC, that any outgoing players would be replaced this summer.
Maxwell is in the last year of his contract, putting Blanc in a difficult situation. Find someone that can play back-up to the Brazilian this summer, but have enough quality to step up next season. Digne was ideally placed to play that role, but a lack of playing time forced his hand early.
To help the new signing settle quickly, especially in a substitute’s role, it would make sense to target a player either currently playing in Ligue 1 or someone with experience of the league.
Here are three viable options from Ligue 1 who could replace Lucas Digne.
Raphael Guerreiro: FC Lorient
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Ever since making the move from SM Caen to Lorient, Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro’s career has been on a rapid rise to the top, so it is no surprise to see him linked to PSG, per Goal.fr’s Naim Beneddra and Loic Tanzi (in French)
Although a fantastic talent, Guerreiro's excellent form last season came from playing on the left of midfield in Lorient’s 4-4-2. He scored seven times, adding four assists, but it was Vincent Le Goff that impressed at left-back.
As PSG found with Gregory van der Wiel, they need someone who is a better defender, rather than a gifted attacking threat.
Aissa Mandi: Stade de Reims
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Over the past few seasons, Algerian international Aissa Mandi has been one of Reims' most consistent performers, made even more impressive due to the inept performances from the Champagne club.
Underrated in the air, and although he plays mainly on the right side, he is more than capable on either flank. Last season, via WhoScored, Mandi made more clearances and tackles per game than Marquinhos. Different situations, but it speaks highly of Mandi’s ability.
Again, it’s another player playing out of his natural position—featuring eight times at left-back—but Mandi’s ability to defend and then attack at set pieces at the other end would make him a valuable signing.
Youssouf Sabaly: Paris Saint-Germain
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The solution to PSG’s left-back issue could be staring them straight in the face. Youssouf Sabaly has been at the capital side since 2003, but the 22-year-old, despite being part of the 2013 France under-20 side that won the World Cup, has never played a competitive minute for the club.
Sabaly spent two seasons on loan at Evian, playing 65 games in France’s top flight. The left-back impressed, averaging 3.4 tackles and 4.4 clearances per game in his first season and 3.1 tackles and 3.9 clearances in his second loan spell, according to WhoScored.
PSG and Blanc obviously rate Sabaly enough to keep him as part of the squad and he featured during the pre-season tour of America. Now, at his current age, it would be worth giving him a chance in the first team as Maxwell’s understudy, rather than spending money on a costly back-up.
Born just north of Paris, Sabaly is a local kid, one who would relish the opportunity to play for the club. It should be important for Les Parisians that they always try and keep a local element to the squad, Sabaly offers them the perfect chance to promote from within.
