Moussa Diaby set for Bayer Leverkusen return after Al-Ittihad agreement

French winger of Malian descent, Moussa Diaby, is set to return to Bayer Leverkusen after the German club reached an agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad over his transfer.

Reports indicate that Leverkusen are close to completing a deal worth less than €30 million for the 27-year-old, who is expected to sign a five-year contract that will run until 2031.

The move will mark Diaby’s return to Germany three years after leaving Leverkusen, where he established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting attacking players.

Five-year deal agreed

According to reports from German newspaper Bild, cited by Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, Diaby will earn an annual salary of around €6 million at Leverkusen, with additional bonuses included in his contract.

The Frenchman had attracted interest from several European clubs, including Italian giants Inter Milan, but Leverkusen moved quickly to secure a reunion with the winger.

Successful spell in Saudi Arabia

Diaby joined Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 after spending four seasons with Bayer Leverkusen between 2019 and 2023.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, the winger played a key role in Al-Ittihad’s recent success, particularly during his first season at the club.

He helped the Jeddah-based side achieve a historic domestic double, winning the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup in the same campaign for the first time in the club’s history.

Leverkusen reunion

Before moving to Aston Villa, Diaby became a key figure at Leverkusen, contributing with goals and assists while competing in the Bundesliga and European competitions.

His return is expected to strengthen Leverkusen’s attacking options as the club prepares for another competitive season in Germany and Europe.

For Diaby, the transfer represents a return to familiar surroundings and another opportunity to make an impact at one of Europe’s top clubs.