Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby joins Saudi club Al-Ittihad

Diaby, who joined Villa a year ago from Bayer Leverkusen, made 54 appearances in the 2023-24 season, registering 10 goals and nine assists and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

Published : Jul 25, 2024 08:50 IST , Bengaluru - 1 MIN READ

Moussa Diaby joins fellow France internationals Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante at the Jeddah-based club.
Moussa Diaby joins fellow France internationals Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante at the Jeddah-based club. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
infoIcon

Moussa Diaby joins fellow France internationals Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante at the Jeddah-based club. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

French winger Moussa Diaby has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa on a five-year contract, the English Premier League side said late on Wednesday.

Diaby, who joined Villa a year ago from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of 52 million pounds ($67 million), made 54 appearances in the 2023-24 season, registering 10 goals and nine assists and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

The transfer fee paid by Al-Ittihad for Diaby was not specified.

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

ALSO READ | UEFA fines seven nations for racist and discriminatory fan conduct at Euro 2024 games

Saudi Arabian clubs, who have signed some of the world’s top players over the last couple of seasons including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, are among the five biggest spenders in the international transfer market, according to global football governing body FIFA, splashing $970 million in 2023.

Nine-time Saudi league winner 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.”

Al-Ittihad begins its league campaign at Al Kholood on August 24.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment