Aston Villa have confirmed that Al-Ittihad have signed winger Moussa Diaby.
Last summer, the Premier League outfit saw off a number of teams to secure the signature of the Bayer Leverkusen man for a club-record fee.
The 25-year-old played his part in Villa securing Champions League football for the first time in their history, contributing six goals and eight assists in the Premier League.
Although the expectation had been that the France international would remain in the West Midlands for at least another season, it soon became apparent that a move to the Middle East was in the offing.
Once Diaby had agreed personal terms with Al-Ittihad, the respective clubs successfully negotiated a fee, allegedly in the region of £50m (€59.54m).
On Wednesday evening, Al-Ittihad were in a position where they were able to formally announce the acquisition of the playmaker.
The fee being paid surpasses the €46.7m that the Tigers paid to sign Fabinho from Liverpool during the 2023 summer transfer window.
Diaby is a Tiger 🐅
— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) July 24, 2024
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What did Diaby have to say?
Addressing his exit on social media, Diaby said: "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."
© Reuters
Villa get the better end of the deal?
Despite Diaby being a statement signing for Villa in 2023, there is the perception that almost getting their money back for the player was too good to turn down.
Villa also make a profit on their books, another important factor, and Unai Emery now has the leeway to strengthen his squad, potentially in more than one area.
The Spaniard is said to be a big admirer of Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, who Villa may now look to sign as a direct alternative to Diaby.
Emery could theoretically wait to see if another large chunk of money is raised through the sale of Jhon Duran, the Colombian international having admitted that he is interested in leaving the club.
Darren Plant
