Moussa Diaby’s Al-Ittihad future hangs over Al Jazira qualifier

Moussa Diaby is expected to remain available for Al-Ittihad’s AFC Champions League Elite play-off against Al Jazira on Tuesday, despite reports that the France winger is close to joining Bayer Leverkusen.

Al-Ittihad face Al Jazira at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in the preliminary round for a place in the league phase of the Asian competition.

Saudi journalist Majed Hood reported that Diaby had travelled to Mecca after being given time off by the coaching staff led by German manager Jens Wissing. However, Hood also said that all of Al-Ittihad’s players would take part in the upcoming match against Al Jazira as normal.

That update suggests Diaby remains part of the plans for the important fixture, although his future at the Saudi club is increasingly uncertain.

Reports have indicated that the 26-year-old is nearing a move to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of less than 30m euros. He is expected to sign a five-year contract that would keep him at the German club until 2031.

Diaby’s possible departure would be significant for Al-Ittihad because he has been an influential part of their attack since joining the club. Al-Ittihad have not signed a replacement for him on the right wing, meaning his absence against Al Jazira would leave the squad short of a direct alternative in that position.

The match carries added importance because it is Al-Ittihad’s route into the league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite. Victory in Abu Dhabi would secure their progress, while defeat would prevent them from reaching the main stage of the competition.

Diaby joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 from Aston Villa and has produced strong performances during his two seasons in Saudi Arabia.

His first season was particularly successful. He helped Al-Ittihad win both the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup, completing a domestic double for the first time in the club’s history.

The France international’s experience and attacking ability have made him an important figure in the team, especially with Al-Ittihad yet to recruit another player for the right-wing role.

As a result, the club’s supporters will be closely watching both Diaby’s involvement against Al Jazira and developments in the proposed transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. For now, the information from Hood indicates that Al-Ittihad’s squad is expected to be available for the match, despite Diaby’s recent break and the continuing speculation over his next move.