France Winger Moussa Diaby Joins Saudi Club Al-Ittihad From Aston Villa

Aston Villa confirmed the move of France winger, Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad on Wednesday for a reported fee of around £50 million ($65 million).

Diaby, who joined Aston Villa last year from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of £52 million, made 54 appearances during the 2023-24 season.

He recorded 10 goals and nine assists, playing a key role in helping the club secure qualification for the Champions League.

“Villans, thank you for everything. It’s time to say goodbye,” Diaby said on X.

“I’ve always given my best to help the club and the team, and we’ve had some great moments that will stay in my memory. We’ve had a fantastic season, with moments of joy and happiness.”

The former Paris St Germain player joins fellow France internationals Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante at the Jeddah-based club, which hired Frenchman Laurent Blanc as head coach earlier this month.

Saudi Arabian clubs, which have acquired some of the world’s top talent over the past couple of seasons, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, rank among the five largest spenders in the global transfer market, according to FIFA, they spent $970 million in 2023.

Nine-times Saudi league winners Al-Ittihad fell short of a place in continental competition after finishing fifth last season, and also lost the Saudi Super Cup final to Al Hilal.

“Our sports committee identified the need to strengthen the winger position,” Al Ittihad CEO Domingos Oliveira said in a statement. “We are confident that Moussa Diaby is one of the top players who stand out globally in this role.”

Villa are reshaping their squad before the new season and sold midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.4m last month.

They brought in both Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from the Italian club, while left-back Ian Maatsen joined from Chelsea for £35 million.

Additionally, winger Lewis Dobbin was signed from Everton for approximately £9 million.

On Tuesday, Villa completed the £50m signing of Everton midfielder, Amadou Onana.

Al-Ittihad begin their league campaign at Al Kholood on August 24.