“He left a legacy” – Al-Ittihad bid farewell to Moussa Diaby after Bayer Leverkusen return

Al-Ittihad have confirmed the departure of France winger Moussa Diaby, who has completed a return to Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window.

The Saudi Pro League club announced the Frenchman’s departure with a video celebrating his time in Jeddah, accompanied by the message: “He left a legacy and departed”.

Bayer Leverkusen have also confirmed Diaby’s return, three years after he left the German club for Aston Villa.

Diaby returns to familiar surroundings

The 27-year-old will wear the number 19 shirt at Leverkusen and has welcomed his return to the club where he previously established himself as an influential attacking player.

Addressing the Leverkusen supporters after completing the move, Diaby said: “I am at home.”

The transfer brings an end to his two-year spell with Al-Ittihad, where he helped the club win the Saudi Roshan League and King’s Cup during the 2024-25 season.

European interest after Saudi spell

Diaby’s overall performance declined alongside that of much of the Al-Ittihad squad last season, but his quality continued to attract interest from major European clubs.

Inter Milan were among the clubs reported to have monitored the French winger before Leverkusen eventually secured his return.

Previous reports suggested that the Bundesliga club will pay no more than €30m for Diaby, while the player is set to earn €6m annually on a five-year contract.

Al-Ittihad search for replacement

With Diaby now gone, Al-Ittihad have turned their attention to finding a replacement for the France international.

The Saudi club are reportedly working on a deal for Japanese winger Ritsu Doan, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Diaby’s departure therefore closes his Saudi chapter while giving the French winger an opportunity to revive his career in familiar surroundings at Leverkusen.