Moussa Diaby’s Bayer Leverkusen exchange leaves Al-Ittihad future unclear

Moussa Diaby has intensified speculation that he could leave Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window after exchanging a brief message with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba on Instagram.

Reports have suggested that the France winger is close to ending his time with the Saudi Arabian club in order to return to former side Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Diaby has not confirmed that he is leaving, but his latest social media interaction has added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Tapsoba posted an emotional message on Instagram after being named Bayer Leverkusen captain for the first official match of the season. The German side are due to face Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday in the first round of the German Cup.

Diaby replied to the Burkina Faso international’s post with a single word: “Captain”.

Bayer Leverkusen then responded to Diaby’s comment with an eyes emoji, a symbol commonly used to suggest that something is being watched closely or anticipated. The exchange quickly attracted attention because of the possibility that Diaby could be on his way back to the Bundesliga club.

Diaby and Tapsoba were team-mates at Bayer Leverkusen for three years between 2020 and 2023. Diaby left the German club to join Aston Villa before moving to Al-Ittihad in 2024.

The winger made a strong impression during his time with the Saudi club and helped Al-Ittihad win the domestic double the season before last. However, his performances declined during the previous campaign, contributing to questions about whether his future remains in Jeddah.

At this stage, there has been no official announcement from Diaby, Al-Ittihad or Bayer Leverkusen confirming a transfer. His one-word response, together with the German club’s reaction, has nevertheless provided fresh fuel for reports linking him with a move away from the Saudi Pro League.

Diaby’s possible return would represent a reunion with a club where he spent a significant part of his development and established himself before moving to the Premier League. His previous spell at Bayer Leverkusen also included his partnership with Tapsoba, who is now set to lead the side in their opening competitive fixture of the new season.

The uncertainty comes as clubs continue to assess their squads during the summer market. For now, Diaby remains an Al-Ittihad player, although his public interaction with Tapsoba has prompted renewed debate over whether that will still be the case when the transfer window closes.