Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby is set to make a move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia for a reported fee of 60 million euros (£50.4m). Diaby, who joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a club record fee, is now on his way to Saudi Arabia to undergo a medical and finalize the deal.
Manager Unai Emery has made the decision to cash in on the French international after just one season at Villa Park. This move comes as Villa have recently re-signed Jaden Philogene from Hull for around £13.5m, and they believe that the young English wideman can have a significant impact upon his return to the club.
During his time at Villa, Diaby made 54 appearances and scored 10 goals, helping the team secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League. However, Villa is now reshaping their squad ahead of the new season and have already made several notable signings.
Last month, they sold midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus for a fee of £42.35m. In return, they signed Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from the Italian club. Additionally, they acquired left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £35m and winger Lewis Dobbin from Everton for approximately £9m.
Furthermore, Villa recently completed the signing of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for a fee of £50m. These transfers highlight Villa’s ambition to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.
The decision to sell Diaby may have been influenced by the need for financial flexibility and the desire to bring in new players who can contribute immediately. By reinvesting the funds from Diaby’s transfer, Villa can continue to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for top honors in the Premier League.
It is worth noting that while Diaby had a decent season at Villa, the opportunity to join a club like Al-Ittihad may have been too good for him to turn down. The move to Saudi Arabia offers him a chance to experience a new league and potentially compete for titles in a different environment.
Overall, Villa’s decision to sell Diaby and reshape their squad reflects their determination to progress as a club. By making strategic signings and reinvesting the funds, they aim to strengthen their position in the Premier League and cement their status as a top team. Only time will tell if these moves will pay off, but Villa fans can be optimistic about the future of their club.