Aston Villa forward Moussa Diaby is reportedly now on the verge of completing a move to Al Ittihad, having completed his medical with the Saudi club.
The 25-year-old joined us from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and went on to contribute 10 goals and nine assists in 54 appearances for the club last season.
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Although he struggled at times for consistency and top form, he still made an important impact with some key goals and assists that helped us secure fourth place in the Premier League table, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
It had been hoped that he would kick on this season and show significant improvement in his second year in England, but it looks as though he’s set for a departure instead.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Diaby has now completed his medical ahead of joining Al Ittihad, with the deal said to be worth around €60m including add-ons as Villa look set to cash in and record a profit on the French international.
While it is disappointing to lose him as it does weaken our squad given the quality that he possesses, once the transfer is confirmed, it will create significant intrigue as to what Villa look to do to address the void that is left behind and whether or not we’ve ultimately approved Diaby’s exit with the intention of using those funds to make a marquee signing of our own.
Unai Emery already has a number of top options at his disposal in that department with Emiliano Buendia, Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers and Jaden Philogene all vying for a starting berth either out wide or more centrally behind Ollie Watkins, while the likes of Youri Tielemans and John McGinn can play in more advanced roles when required too.
In turn, it could be argued that we might not look to replace Diaby at all and invest elsewhere to improve and strengthen in a different position, but with some exciting names being paired with potential interest from Villa this summer, it promises to be a fascinating month or so as we wait to see how the club’s hierarchy and Emery feel we can still raise the level within the group and build on last year.
