Moussa Diaby Joins Al Ittihad: Aston Villa Confirms Record Transfer

Aston Villa's Record Signing Moussa Diaby Joins Al Ittihad

Aston Villa has officially announced that their record-signing, Moussa Diaby, has transferred to Saudi Pro League club, Al Ittihad. This move marks a significant chapter in Diaby's career following his tenure at Villa.

Diaby's Stellar Performance at Aston Villa

When Diaby joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for nearly £52 million, he made an immediate impact on the pitch. Throughout his time with the club, he scored 10 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were crucial in helping Unai Emery's side qualify for the Champions League, a major achievement for the club.

Background and Previous Experience

The French winger had spent four successful years in Germany before his move to Villa, where he reunited with Unai Emery, who had previously coached him at Paris Saint-Germain. This connection played a significant role in Diaby's decision to join Aston Villa.

New Horizons at Al Ittihad

Diaby's latest transfer to Al Ittihad will see him play alongside notable compatriots such as Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, in addition to former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho. Under the management of head coach Laurent Blanc, Al Ittihad aims to surpass their fifth-place finish from the previous season.

Transfer Details

Reports from Sky Germany indicate that Al Ittihad has agreed to a £50 million (€60 million) deal for Diaby. The talented winger is expected to sign a contract until 2029, with a lucrative gross salary of nearly £20 million per year.

A Farewell Message from Diaby

In light of his departure, Diaby expressed his gratitude to the Aston Villa fans through social media. He wrote, "Villans, thank you for everything. It's time to say goodbye. I'd like to thank the club, the team members, the staff and everyone working at Aston Villa. I've always given my best to help the club and the team, we've had some great moments that will stay in my memory. We've had a fantastic season, with moments of joy and happiness. Together, we've achieved our objectives. The club will be playing in the Champions League next year and I wish them success. It's a season I will remember forever. Villans, I won't forget you."

Looking Ahead: Summer Transfer Window

The summer transfer window for the Premier League officially opens on June 10 and closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time. This restructuring of deadlines was orchestrated to coincide with other major leagues in Europe, fostering better coordination among clubs.

Conclusion

Moussa Diaby's transfer to Al Ittihad represents not only a new adventure for the player but also highlights the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League in the global football landscape. As clubs across Europe adapt to the evolving football market, keeping an eye on transfer trends will be key for fans and analysts alike.

For more information on transfer news, updates on Aston Villa, and insights into player performances, stay tuned to our dedicated sports section.