Al-Diriyah enter race for Leon Bailey as Al-Ittihad search for Diaby replacement

Al-Diriyah have joined Al-Ittihad in the race to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, creating fresh competition for the Saudi Pro League club as it searches for a replacement for France international Moussa Diaby.

Al-Ittihad had identified Bailey as one of their leading targets during the current summer transfer window. The Jamaica international was being considered to fill the vacancy created by Diaby’s departure, after Al-Ittihad agreed to allow the French winger to move to Bayer Leverkusen.

However, The Athletic reports that Al-Diriyah have also expressed an interest in Bailey. The Saudi club could now challenge Al-Ittihad for the 29-year-old, with the Saudi Pro League transfer window remaining open until 6 September.

Bailey’s future at Aston Villa remains uncertain. He is currently training separately from the first-team group after falling out of manager Unai Emery’s plans. The winger has also been made available for transfer during the current window, with his Aston Villa contract due to expire at the end of this season.

The Jamaica international had been linked with a move to Hull City, but that deal did not go through after he failed to reach an agreement with the English club over personal terms.

Bailey joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and has established himself as an experienced Premier League winger. His pace and ability to play on either flank have made him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen their attack, although his current situation at Villa has left his next destination unresolved.

If Al-Ittihad are unable to complete a deal for Bailey, their attention could turn to Japan winger Ritsu Doan. The Eintracht Frankfurt player is also regarded as one of the club’s main attacking targets during this summer’s transfer window.

Al-Ittihad confirmed on Tuesday that they had approved Diaby’s move to Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer is understood to be worth about 30m euros, according to reports published earlier.

Diaby’s departure has increased the importance of Al-Ittihad’s search for an attacking replacement, but Al-Diriyah’s interest means the Jeddah-based club may now face domestic competition for one of its preferred options.

The extended Saudi Pro League window gives both clubs more time to negotiate. It also leaves Bailey’s future open as Aston Villa consider a transfer for a player who is no longer part of Emery’s first-team plans and whose contract is approaching its final months.