France international Diaby completes move to Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad have continued their impressive recruitment drive this summer with the signing of France international Moussa Diaby from English Premier League side Aston Villa.

The 2022-23 Roshn Saudi League champions announced the transfer on Thursday, with the midfielder agreeing to a five-year contract. Diaby, 25, travelled to the team’s training camp in Spain to finalise the deal.

“I am thrilled to join Al Ittihad and be part of a project that aims to build a strong team reflecting the club’s rich history and values," the winger said. "I look forward to collaborating with my new teammates to achieve victories and bring joy to our dedicated fans."

Diaby represents a significant coup for the Jeddah club. He joined Aston Villa only last summer from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record fee, and then helped the Birmingham side finish fourth in the 2023-24 Premier League. With it, Aston Villa qualified for this season’s UEFA Champions League. In all, Diaby played 54 times for Unai Emery’s team, scoring 10 goals.

Al Ittihad, fifth in last season’s RSL, have been one of the more active clubs in this transfer window. They have already signed Algerian playmaker Houssem Aouar from AS Roma, and Saleh Al Shehri and Muath Faqeehi, both from reigning champions Al Hilal.

Al Ittihad have also converted to permanent signings the loans of Al Ettifaq pair Ahmed Al Ghamdi and Saad Al Mousa, while extending Hamed Al Ghamdi’s temporary deal for another season.

As for outgoings, Abderrazak Hamdallah and Haroune Camara have left for Al Shabab, with Romarinho and Ahmed Hegazi joining First Division League side NEOM. Among other departures, title-winning goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe has signed for RSL new boys Al Kholood.

Al Ittihad kick off their 2024-25 RSL campaign on August 24 at home to Al Ettifaq.