Moussa Diaby’s Bayer Leverkusen transfer put on hold by Al-Ittihad dispute

Moussa Diaby’s proposed move from Al-Ittihad to Bayer Leverkusen has been delayed after a disagreement over the French winger’s financial entitlements brought the deal to a standstill.

Diaby had already travelled in preparation for a return to the Bundesliga, with negotiations between Al-Ittihad and Bayer Leverkusen understood to have made significant progress. However, the player has not yet reached a final agreement with his current club over outstanding payments, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

That unresolved issue has prevented the remaining formalities from being completed and left the transfer’s future uncertain. Diaby’s departure will not be confirmed until the dispute between the player and Al-Ittihad has been settled.

The 26-year-old had begun preparing for life in Germany as discussions advanced between the two clubs. The latest disagreement, however, has taken the deal back into negotiations and created further delays before it can be officially concluded.

The coming hours are expected to be important in determining whether the transfer can go ahead. Al-Ittihad and Diaby are seeking a final arrangement over the money owed to the player, which would allow the winger to complete his move to Bayer Leverkusen.

The situation also has wider implications for Al-Ittihad’s transfer plans. The Saudi club is waiting for Diaby’s exit to be resolved before completing a deal for Japan international Ritsu Doan, who is also close to joining the club.

As a result, the Diaby transfer has become the final outstanding step before Al-Ittihad can move forward with its pursuit of Doan. The club must first settle the financial details with Diaby and finish the procedures surrounding his departure, then complete the remaining work on the Japanese player’s arrival.

Al-Ittihad are keen to resolve the matter quickly so their wider plans to strengthen the squad are not disrupted. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are waiting for formal approval to bring back their former player.

Diaby joined Al-Ittihad after establishing himself as an attacking winger in European football. His proposed return to Bayer Leverkusen would represent a move back to the club where he previously played, but the agreement remains incomplete until the financial dispute is resolved.

For now, the deal remains open rather than cancelled. Its completion depends on whether Diaby and Al-Ittihad can reach an agreement soon, with the outcome also likely to determine when the club can finalise its pursuit of Ritsu Doan.