Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

Al Ittihad vs Al Kholood - Saudi Pro LeagueGetty Images Sport

Translated by

Crossroads: Moussa Diaby puts Al-Ittihad in an unenviable position!

Moussa Diaby's future has reached a decisive phase. The Al-Ittihad winger is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen, who are pushing to wrap up the deal quickly and land the player before the German league kicks off.

One of Al-Ittihad's most prominent weapons, Diaby now looks to be living his final days within the corridors of the Dean, especially with the player himself open to leaving.

  • Al Hilal v Al Ittihad: Saudi Pro LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Inter tried, Al-Ittihad refused

    Al-Ittihad's management find themselves torn between their own plan for Diaby's future and the German offer, according to media figure Mohammed Al-Bakiri, who says the proposal demands the deal be wrapped up immediately.

    Read also: Salah changes the rules of the game: has the Saudi project lost its prestige in the face of Turkish cunning?

    Inter Milan had already tabled 40 million euros for Diaby last winter, Al-Bakiri revealed, but Al-Ittihad turned it down amid the fan and media pressures of the time.

    Back they came this summer with a fresh offer worth 20 million euros plus a player valued at up to 10 million euros. Al-Ittihad rejected that too, holding out for a straight financial return.

  • Advertisement
  • Leverkusen impose their terms

    Bayer Leverkusen have entered the fray on the recommendation of their former coach Xabi Alonso. They have tabled a 30 million euro offer to be paid in a single instalment, on the condition that the deal is completed before the German league gets under way.

    That offer leaves Al-Ittihad facing a tough call. The management had been weighing up delaying Diaby's departure to make use of him in the Asian play-off next Tuesday.

    The coming hours could prove decisive for the French winger's future. Accept the German offer, or keep him and close the file on his departure for now.

  • What did Moussa Diaby offer?

    Diaby remains one of the key threats in Al-Ittihad's attack. The Saudi club have signed no replacement for him on the right wing, which would make his absence from the Al-Jazira clash a serious blow should it happen.

    Signed from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, Diaby impressed across both his seasons at the club. He shone in the first, driving Al-Ittihad to a first-ever double of the Roshn League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup.

    His impact has been telling. Diaby has featured in 71 official matches across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and setting up 31 more for his teammates.

    Transfermarkt currently values the French star at 25 million euros, underlining just how important an asset he is to the Al-Ittihad hierarchy.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

    Add as preferred source on Google