‘Regretting the move?’ — Lucas Digne’s Paris Saint-Germain return plunges into crisis after Luis Enrique drops defender for ‘sporting reasons’…

‘Regretting the move?’ — Lucas Digne’s Paris Saint-Germain return plunges into crisis after Luis Enrique drops defender for ‘sporting reasons’

Lucas Digne’s dream return to Paris Saint-Germain has taken an unexpected and difficult turn, with the experienced French defender now facing serious questions over his place in Luis Enrique’s plans.

 

The 33-year-old returned to PSG this summer, ten years after leaving the club, signing a contract that will keep him in Paris until 2029. His homecoming was initially presented as an exciting chapter in his career, with the Frenchman bringing years of experience from spells with AS Roma, Barcelona, Everton and Aston Villa. PSG officially confirmed the three-year deal and handed Digne the number 12 shirt.

 

However, barely weeks into his second spell, Digne’s situation has become increasingly uncomfortable.

 

A dream return turns difficult

 

When Digne returned to PSG, expectations were relatively clear. The experienced left-back was brought in to provide competition and cover for Nuno Mendes while offering Luis Enrique another reliable option in a demanding squad.

 

Digne himself spoke positively about the move, describing his return as something special and acknowledging how much the club had changed since his first spell. He also stressed that he was returning as a more mature player after gaining valuable experience across Europe.

 

Yet the reality on the pitch has been far less encouraging.

 

Despite Nuno Mendes being unavailable through suspension, Digne has struggled to establish himself as the obvious replacement. Instead, Enrique has shown a willingness to use other players in the position, raising questions about where exactly the veteran defender stands in the manager’s pecking order.

 

According to reports from L’Équipe, Digne was left out of PSG’s squad to face Monaco because of “sporting reasons.” That wording is significant because it points towards a footballing decision rather than an injury or disciplinary issue.

 

Limited opportunities have not helped

 

Digne’s start to the Ligue 1 campaign has been particularly frustrating.

 

He was an unused substitute during PSG’s opening league fixture against Rennes, despite Mendes’ absence. He subsequently received an opportunity against Lille, but it came late in the match.

 

Digne entered the game in the 71st minute with PSG trailing 2-0. The reigning champions eventually produced a remarkable late comeback, scoring twice in stoppage time to rescue a point.

 

But rather than establishing himself as the solution at left-back, Digne’s brief appearance appears to have done little to convince Enrique that he should move higher up the selection hierarchy.

 

The decision to leave him completely out against Monaco therefore represents another setback.

 

The left-back situation makes the omission more striking

 

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Digne’s situation is the fact that PSG do not have their first-choice left-back available.

 

Nuno Mendes received a straight red card against Lens in the Trophée des Champions and is serving a domestic suspension. That suspension has created an opening that many would have expected Digne to fill.

 

Instead, Enrique has demonstrated that he is prepared to find alternative solutions.

 

Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Beraldo have been used in the left-back position, while Digne has watched from the sidelines. That is a worrying development for a player who returned to Paris hoping to contribute regularly.

 

It also underlines how competitive PSG’s squad has become. Experience and reputation alone are not enough to guarantee a place under Enrique.

 

Is Digne already regretting the decision?

 

It would be premature to suggest that Digne regrets returning to PSG.

 

The defender only arrived this summer and has signed a long-term contract. There is still plenty of time for him to change the situation, particularly once the season becomes more demanding and PSG begin balancing Ligue 1 with European commitments.

 

Indeed, Digne himself has played down concerns about his early lack of game time. Speaking before the Monaco match, he indicated that it would be unreasonable to become worried after only a few matches.

 

That attitude could prove important.

 

At 33, Digne understands the demands of elite football and the importance of remaining patient. His experience could become valuable as the campaign progresses, especially if injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion force Enrique to rotate his squad.

 

A battle for trust

 

Ultimately, Digne’s biggest challenge is not necessarily competition from one player. It is winning Enrique’s trust.

 

The PSG manager has made it clear that selection will be based on performance and tactical suitability. If Digne wants to become an important part of the team, he must demonstrate in training and in every opportunity he receives that he can meet Enrique’s demands.

 

His return to Paris was supposed to be a celebration of experience, maturity and unfinished business. Instead, it has quickly become a test of character.

 

For now, Digne’s PSG comeback is certainly not going according to plan. But with a contract running until 2029 and an entire season ahead, the Frenchman still has an opportunity to turn the story around.

 

Whether this early setback becomes a temporary bump or the beginning of a much bigger problem will depend largely on how Digne responds — and whether he can persuade Luis Enrique that his experience deserves a place in PSG’s ambitious new era.