Moussa Diaby omitted again as Bayer Leverkusen explore reunion

Moussa Diaby was not included in Al-Ittihad’s travelling squad for their Roshn Saudi League match against Al-Qadsiah on Friday, adding to speculation that the France winger could leave the club.

Al-Ittihad’s team departed for Dammam ahead of the second-round fixture without Diaby, whose future has become a major talking point in recent days. Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that negotiations are under way over a possible move to a European club.

The 26-year-old’s absence will be closely watched because it is the second consecutive match for which he has not been selected. Diaby was also left out of Al-Ittihad’s squad for their King Cup round-of-32 game against Al-Najma.

That sequence of omissions has increased uncertainty over his position at Al-Ittihad, known as “The Tigers”, as the club approaches an important stage in the transfer window.

The developments come as Bayer Leverkusen hold talks with a view to bringing Diaby back to the German club. The France international previously enjoyed a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Aston Villa and subsequently joining Al-Ittihad.

Diaby became an Al-Ittihad player amid considerable expectations that he would develop into one of the team’s leading attacking figures. His possible departure at this point, however, could lead to another change in the club’s squad before the transfer window closes.

No final agreement has been confirmed, and Diaby’s next step remains unclear. The coming days are expected to provide a clearer indication of whether discussions with Bayer Leverkusen will result in a completed transfer.

If the negotiations reach a successful conclusion, Diaby would bring his time with Al-Ittihad to an end and return to European football. For now, his omission from the squad travelling to face Al-Qadsiah has intensified the focus on a move that could significantly alter the club’s attacking options.

Al-Ittihad’s meeting with Al-Qadsiah is scheduled for Friday evening as part of the second round of the Roshn Saudi League. Diaby’s absence means he will not be involved in the club’s second successive competitive fixture, while discussions over his future continue away from the pitch.

The winger’s situation is therefore likely to remain one of the central transfer stories surrounding Al-Ittihad until the talks with Bayer Leverkusen are resolved.