Aston Villa Profits as Moussa Diaby Transfers to Al Ittihad
Aston Villa has finalized a blockbuster transfer deal, sending their French winger Moussa Diaby to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad for a staggering £60 million. This marks a significant profit for the Premier League side, who initially acquired Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record fee of €55 million just last summer.
Who is Moussa Diaby?
Moussa Diaby, born on July 7, 1999, is a French professional footballer renowned for his versatility, playing both as a winger and an attacking midfielder. Diaby’s career has been decorated with notable achievements, including:
- Winning Ligue 1 and the Trophée des Champions with Paris Saint Germain in the 2018/2019 season
- Winning the UEFA Nations League with France in 2020/2021
Performance at Aston Villa
During his tenure at Aston Villa, Diaby made a strong impression. In the 2023-2024 Premier League season, he appeared in 38 matches, scoring six goals and providing eight assists. His overall performance was underscored by 2183 minutes of playtime, during which he demonstrated his dribbling prowess and duel-winning capability.
Diaby’s move comes after a successful debut campaign with Aston Villa, where he made 54 appearances across all competitions and scored ten goals. His contributions were not just limited to the Premier League; he also made an impact in the League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Europa Conference League.
Impact of the Transfer
The £60 million transfer fee from Al Ittihad eclipses the previous club record paid for Diaby, making this deal a landmark moment for Aston Villa. The move to Al Ittihad signals a new chapter for Diaby, who has also represented the France national team and boasts a commendable international record.
Aston Villa’s Future
Aston Villa fans may find solace in the substantial financial gain from this transfer, which could potentially be reinvested into the squad. The departure of Diaby leaves the club with a robust roster, featuring top talents like Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Emiliano Martínez, poised to take on the upcoming Premier League season.
Villa’s recent transfer activities, including acquisitions like J. Philogene from Hull City and C. Archer from Sheffield United, illustrate their commitment to strengthening the squad further.
Diaby’s New Opportunity
As for Diaby, this move represents a lucrative opportunity in the rapidly growing Saudi Arabian football scene. Al Ittihad, with a well-rounded squad that includes notable players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, is set to benefit from Diaby’s skills and experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Moussa Diaby’s transfer to Al Ittihad is a done deal, marking the end of his brief yet impactful stint at Aston Villa and opening up new horizons for both the player and the club.
