Moussa Diaby, the talented forward for Aston Villa, has recently made a permanent transfer to Al Ittihad. Reports from The Athletic indicated that the two clubs had been in negotiations for a deal worth approximately €60 million. This move marks a significant development in Diaby’s career, as he had joined Villa just last summer from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around €40 million, with additional add-ons.
During his time with Villa, Diaby made a strong impression on the team and its fans. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, the French international showcased his skills, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists across 54 appearances. However, the opportunity to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia presented itself, and Diaby felt it was the right move for him at this stage of his career.
It is worth noting that there has been a growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League among international players. Last summer, the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of four teams in the league: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr. This move led to an influx of overseas talent, with notable signings such as Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante from Chelsea, and Fabinho from Liverpool joining Al Ittihad.
This trend has continued this summer, with Villa making several signings to strengthen their squad. Wingers Samuel Illing-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, and Jaden Philogene have been brought in from Juventus, Everton, and Hull City respectively. Additionally, Cameron Archer has returned to the club after Sheffield United’s relegation last season. Emery’s side has also added central midfielders Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus and Ross Barkley from Luton Town, while Amadou Onana has joined from Everton.
Considering these developments, it is clear that Villa has been actively working to bolster their squad with new talent. Diaby’s departure allows the team to further refine their roster and potentially bring in another player who can contribute to their goals. While Diaby’s move to Saudi Arabia may come as a surprise to some, it is essential to recognize that players make decisions based on various factors, including career opportunities and personal preferences.
In conclusion, Moussa Diaby’s transfer to Al Ittihad marks a significant development in his career and presents an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his skills in the Saudi Pro League. Villa, on the other hand, continues to strengthen their squad with new signings, demonstrating their commitment to achieving success in the upcoming season. As the football landscape evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these transfers impact both Diaby’s career trajectory and Villa’s performance on the pitch.