The Saudi Pro League has pulled off a major transfer coup, as a high-profile Premier League star is set to make a sensational move to Saudi Arabia just one year after rejecting a similar offer.
Last summer, Saudi Pro League clubs flexed their financial muscle, attracting stars like Riyad Mahrez, Ruben Neves, and Aymeric Laporte, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. While Saudi clubs have been quieter this summer, they have now secured another top Premier League talent.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ittihad has verbally agreed to a €60 million (£50.5m) package, including add-ons, with Aston Villa for the transfer of Moussa Diaby. The 25-year-old winger has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal with the Saudi club and is now waiting for paperwork to be reviewed before officially signing.
Diaby only joined Villa last summer, making a €60m (then worth £51.9m) club record move from Bayer Leverkusen. In his only season at Villa Park, the France international scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 54 matches in all competitions. He contributed to an historic season for the club, which saw Unai Emery’s side finish fourth in the Premier League table, securing a place in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League.
Despite his contributions, Diaby was not included in France’s squad for Euro 2024. Interestingly, Diaby initially rejected a big-money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr to join Villa, prioritizing Premier League football and working with Emery.
Having secured Diaby’s services, Al-Ittihad, who finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League last season, are now working on a stunning move for Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Club bosses are also reportedly hoping to add Kevin De Bruyne to a star-studded squad that already includes Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jota Filipe, and Fabinho.
Credit: Sport Bible
