Lucas Digne to Barcelona: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Barcelona have finalised the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne, it was revealed on Wednesday.

The club confirmed a five-year contract for the developing star:

Bleacher Report UK posted the following on Instagram depicting the player in his new colours:

Digne, 22, departs the French champions after three years with the club. However, he spent the 2015-16 season on loan with AS Roma after failing to force his way into the starting XI at the Parc des Princes.

When PSG signed the youngster from Lille OSC in 2013, he was rated as one of the most exciting prospects in European football. Here is a look at what he is capable of:

However, a dream move to the capital never really worked out for Digne. Veteran full-back Maxwell was a tough man to oust on the left side of the defence, while PSG’s capture of Layvin Kurzawa ahead of the previous campaign meant there was even more competition for the France international.

At Roma, Digne performed to a consistently high standard, making 33 appearances in Serie A. He also notched an impressive three goals from left-back, as well as three assists. The qualities he showcased evidently caught the eye of Barcelona.

Now, as noted by the Champions League Twitter feed, he'll be playing alongside some illustrious names:

He’ll be set to battle with Jordi Alba for a starting spot in Catalonia in 2016-17. Here is a look at how the two compared in league matches last season:

	Alba	Digne
Apps (Sub)	29 (2)	32 (1)
Goals	0	3
Assists	6	3
Dribbles per game	0.1	0.8
Key passes per game	0.6	0.8
Tackles per game	1.7	1.7
Interceptions per game	2	2

Although Digne excelled for Roma, Alba is going to be a tough man to dislodge at the Camp Nou. Subsequently, Tom Coast of Sport Witness feels this is a strange move for the Frenchman:

The opportunity to join a club like Barcelona is one Digne has to take, though. After all, for an attacking full-back, it’s an ideal place to play football. Given the manner in which the Blaugrana dominate the ball, there’s an onus on the full-backs to create width high up the pitch. It’s in those advanced positions Digne can excel.

VI-Images/Getty Images

Alba wasn’t in the best of form last season. While the Spain international was always a willing runner on the left flank, his final ball was often lacking and his focus wavered defensively. So if Digne performs, perhaps he'll find a path to the first team.

Given his age, there’s still time for him to improve as well, as Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez noted:

The left-back will be disappointed things didn’t work out for him in Paris, but he’ll be delighted to have a chance to shine at a club like Barcelona.

Barca manager Luis Enrique will be pleased to have another left-back in the squad who can offer penetration from the wide positions.

Digne’s presence will also put pressure on Alba to perform, as he has previously been assured of his starting spot with no other player at the club able to offer the same kind of threat.