Al-Ittihad face 24-hour decision on Moussa Diaby after Bayer Leverkusen move stalls

Al-Ittihad are considering keeping Moussa Diaby after his proposed move to Bayer Leverkusen encountered unexpected difficulties, with the French winger’s return to the Saudi club now a serious possibility during the current season.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Ittihad are expected to reach a final decision on Diaby’s future within the next 24 hours. Talks have not yet produced a final agreement with the player over his transfer to the German club, leaving the deal at risk of collapse.

Diaby had appeared close to returning to the German league through a move to Bayer Leverkusen. However, obstacles emerged during the past few hours and prevented the transfer from being completed. His immediate future is therefore unresolved while the parties attempt to settle the outstanding details.

The situation means Al-Ittihad must now choose between completing the remaining steps of the transfer or retaining the winger and relying on him for the rest of the current campaign.

The club has not formally closed Diaby’s transfer, and he remains under contract at Al-Ittihad. If no final agreement is reached, he could return to the first-team plans and once again become part of the club’s squad for domestic and other competitions this season.

Diaby’s potential return would represent a major change from the expectations surrounding his future earlier in the transfer process. His departure to Bayer Leverkusen had seemed increasingly likely, but the latest breakdown in negotiations has left the outcome uncertain.

The developments also have implications for Al-Ittihad’s interest in Japan international Ritsu Doan. Doan’s proposed move to the Saudi club is linked to the conclusion of the Diaby situation, meaning the next 24 hours could determine the composition of Al-Ittihad’s squad for the current season.

Al-Ittihad, known as “the Brigadier” and “the Tigers”, must therefore resolve whether Diaby will complete his move to Germany or remain in Jeddah. Until the transfer is officially concluded, a return to the club’s playing plans remains a strong possibility.

The uncertainty will be closely watched by Al-Ittihad supporters, who had expected the Frenchman’s time with the club to be coming to an end. Instead, the failure to finalise the agreement with Bayer Leverkusen has brought a potential reversal, with the club’s final decision due within the next 24 hours.

Diaby’s possible stay would also keep open the question of how Al-Ittihad proceed with their pursuit of Doan. Both matters are now connected, and the resolution of the French winger’s transfer will help determine the shape of the squad competing in the Saudi Pro League this season.