Newcastle United desperately tried to sign Lucas Digne in January. But on Sunday he’ll be an opponent.
Following the arrival of Kieran Trippier, it was reported that Newcastle’s next target was the French left-back.
At the time, Everton were managed by Rafa Benitez, who had fallen out with Digne and was prepared to let him go.
That’s exactly what happened. But instead of moving to St James’ Park, he agreed a move to Villa Park. Digne reportedly wasn’t keen on a move to the North East, no doubt because of our precarious position in the table.
In the end, Digne’s Newcastle rejection led the Magpies to another left-back. His arrival at Villa pushed Matt Targett down the pecking order, allowing him to join us on loan. Sadly, Targett won’t be able to play on Sunday.
But Digne can, and he will be able to see firsthand the kind of club he could’ve joined in January.
Newcastle have the chance to prove Lucas Digne wrong
Digne cost Aston Villa £25million. He’s a great signing for them, and joins a great club with rich history and an exciting young manager. And at the time of the deal, they weren’t embroiled in any relegation trouble.
However, he might live to regret his decision, potentially starting on Sunday.
The atmosphere inside St James’ Park was amazing on Tuesday night. Kieran Trippier said it’s like nothing he’s ever experienced. And he is one of two stars to join the club in January, alongside Bruno Guimaraes.
Digne could’ve been the third star, if he had the required fight for a relegation battle.
Lots of players probably said no to Newcastle in January because they were scared of going down. That’s why Donny van de Beek rejected a loan move from Manchester United.
He made his Everton debut on Tuesday night, and was part of a tepid team that have now been dragged into the relegation battle by the Magpies.
After years of neglect, Newcastle are suddenly a club on the up…they’re just starting from a very low base.
Yes, the risk of relegation remains. But the new players who’ve arrived massively improve the squad, and should have enough to ensure we stay in the Premier League.
Digne decided against a move to Newcastle, and the Magpies have the chance to prove how wrong he was on Sunday. Alternatively, he could also prove to us what an incredible player he could’ve been in black and white.
Hopefully it’s the former.
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