Moussa Diaby returns to Bayer Leverkusen from Al-Ittihad
Quick summary
Moussa Diaby has completed a transfer back to Bayer Leverkusen, returning to the Bundesliga club after a spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThe French winger registered 49 goals and 47 assists in a hugely impressive spell at the BayArena between 2019 and 2023, before departing for English Premier League side Aston Villa.
He spent the last two seasons with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, helping the club win the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup in 2024/25.
"We've brought a great forward back to the Bundesliga in Moussa. He'll give our attacking game additional quality and more possibilities," said Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes. "It's not just Bayer 04 fans who can be excited about Moussa. He'll be an asset for the entire Bundesliga."
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What happened
Moussa Diaby has rejoined Bayer Leverkusen, the club where he developed into one of the Bundesliga's most exciting wingers before departing for Aston Villa and subsequently Al-Ittihad. The French attacker returns to the BayArena as Leverkusen look to reinforce their attacking options. Diaby previously contributed significantly to Leverkusen's campaigns, including their run to the Europa League final in 2024. The move represents a notable return for a player who had thrived in Xabi Alonso's system before seeking opportunities abroad.
Chance analysis
Diaby's return to Leverkusen is a familiar face coming home after an underwhelming Saudi spell. Leverkusen know exactly what they're getting — pace, direct dribbling, and a player comfortable in Alonso's system. Whether he recaptures his pre-Saudi form will be the key question, but on paper this is a low-risk reinforcement for a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts.
Bayer Leverkusen's attacking depth is strengthened with the return of a familiar, system-fitted winger.