Exclusive: French contingent behind Moussa Diaby’s expected switch to Saudi

The French players at Saudi Pro League side, Al Ittihad, are believed to behind the move for Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby.

N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema have been plying their trade in Saudi Arabia for the past year, and despite having also received interest in his services from Al Nassr and Newcastle United, it seems that the Frenchman is ready to join his countrymen, having accepted Al Ittihad’s three-year contract, with the option for a further year.

Aston Villa could cash in with Moussa Diaby sale

CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of negotiations note that the Pro League side, who finished in fifth last season but a mammoth 42 points behind eventual winners, Al Hilal, are ready to make an opening bid of €60m for Diaby.

Whilst it’s unclear how receptive the Midlands-based side would be to such an offer, it would allow them to place bids for the likes of Jaden Philogene, Pedro Neto, Raphinha and Johan Bakayoko, all of whom seem to have been linked with the club of late.

The appointment of Laurent Blanc at Al Ittihad could be a deciding factor in the player’s decision to swap the English top-flight for the 68th best league in the world (TeamForm), and one can only assume that his salary package will dwarf that which he currently receives at Villa.

If Unai Emery and Monchi were feeling a little bruised that a player that’s only been at Villa Park for a year wants to move on, they can perhaps be comforted in the knowledge that they’ll get some decent money for a player whose heart clearly isn’t in it.

With a Champions League campaign to come in 2024/25 too, the Villains only need players that are willing to wear the shirt with pride and will go above and beyond for the cause.