Moussa Diaby returns to Bayer Leverkusen from Al-Ittihad on deal until 2031

Bayer Leverkusen have re-signed France winger Moussa Diaby from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, three years after he left the German side.

Diaby is travelling to Germany to complete his move back to Bayer Leverkusen, where he has agreed a contract running until 2031.

The 26-year-old’s previous deal with Al-Ittihad was due to run until the summer of 2028. However, the Saudi club agreed to sell the remaining period of his contract to Leverkusen after the necessary procedures between the two parties were completed.

Al-Ittihad said in a statement: “The club’s management has agreed to sell the remaining period of Moussa Diaby’s contract to Bayer Leverkusen, after completing the necessary procedures between the two parties.”

The club added: “The management would like to thank Moussa Diaby for what he has provided during his time with the club, wishing him every success in the next stage of his sporting career.”

Leverkusen have not disclosed the transfer fee, although reports said the deal was completed for 30m euros.

Diaby joined Al-Ittihad from English club Aston Villa in the summer of 2024. During his time in Saudi Arabia, he helped the club win both the Saudi league title and the cup in the season before last.

He scored 11 goals and provided 29 assists in all competitions for Al-Ittihad.

The winger began his professional career with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2019. He spent four years with the German club before joining Aston Villa in the summer of 2023 for a reported 15m euros.

His stay in England lasted one season, with Diaby then moving to Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 for 60m euros.

His return to Leverkusen represents the latest move in a career that has taken him from Paris Saint-Germain to Germany, England and Saudi Arabia before bringing him back to the Bundesliga club. The agreement will keep him at Bayer Leverkusen until 2031, subject to the completion of the transfer formalities and his arrival in Germany.