Al-Ittihad close in on signing of French winger Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa

Moussa Diaby enjoyed a successful debut campaign at Aston Villa.

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad are closing in on a deal to sign French winger Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa, following a crucial breakthrough in negotiations between the two sides.

The two clubs have reportedly agreed on a total package of €55m as the final fee, with Diaby being keen on the move ever since the Saudi Arabian side showed interest in acquiring his services. Additionally, personal terms between Diaby’s camp and Al-Ittihad have already been agreed on a lucrative five-year contract until 2029.

Moussa Diaby joined Aston Villa just a season ago from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee close to €50m. The Premier League outfit are set to make a marginal profit on the deal, with the player already looking for a fresh experience in the Saudi Pro League. 

In his one year in England, the 25-year-old winger enjoyed a successful campaign with Aston Villa, recording 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions. His vital contributions secured Champions League football for the Birmingham club, as they finished fourth in the Premier League along with a fantastic semi-final run in the UEFA Conference League.

With Diaby inching closer to an exit from Villa Park, Aston Villa have already signed his potential replacement in the form of talented winger Jaden Philogene. The 22-year-old forward returned to his boyhood club and can easily operate on both flanks at a high level.

At the start of the summer, the Villa hierarchy and manager Unai Emery had planned the upcoming season with the French international. However, with the club having to comply with the Financial Fair Play rules of the league, the player being keen on the move and Al-Ittihad offering a fair deal structure, this transfer has reached the advanced phase.

Moussa Diaby will be the second big-name departure from the club after midfielder Douglas Luiz completed a move to Italian giants Juventus earlier in the window.

On the other hand, Al-Ittihad have been active in the market this summer after an underwhelming campaign in the Saudi Pro League last season. With the appointment of French manager Laurent Blanc and a star-studded squad at his disposal, the Saudi Arabian club will hope to challenge for silverware in the upcoming season.

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