Moussa Diaby transfer rumour: Benfica consider move for Al-Ittihad winger

French-Malian winger Moussa Diaby has been linked with a move from Al-Ittihad to Benfica.

The 27-year-old right winger joined the Saudi Pro League club from Aston Villa in July 2024 and has a contract running until June 2029. Any move to Benfica would therefore require an agreement with Al-Ittihad rather than a free transfer.

Diaby’s current market value is listed at €25m, while Al-Ittihad paid €60m to sign him from Aston Villa. That deal followed one season in the Premier League, where he recorded six goals and 10 assists in 38 appearances.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Diaby has made 55 Saudi Pro League appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 23 assists. He also contributed in continental competition, making nine AFC Champions League appearances and registering one goal and five assists.

The winger was part of the Al-Ittihad side that won the Saudi Arabian championship and the Saudi Cup in the 2024-25 season. He began his senior career at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, where he made 125 Bundesliga appearances and scored 31 goals.

Benfica’s interest would represent a possible return to European football for Diaby, who has also played in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Europa League. He remains an Al-Ittihad player under contract through 2029.