Moussa Diaby’s Leverkusen return delayed as Saudi contract complicates deal

Bayer Leverkusen’s attempt to bring France-born Ivorian winger Moussa Diaby back to the Bundesliga has been delayed by financial issues surrounding his contract at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.

Leverkusen remain hopeful of completing the transfer, but negotiations have stalled as Diaby, Al-Ittihad and the German club work through the financial terms of an early departure.

Salary gap holds up transfer

According to Kicker, the main obstacle is Diaby’s lucrative contract with Al-Ittihad, which runs until 2029.

The winger is reportedly earning more than €10m net per year in Saudi Arabia, while Leverkusen’s proposed package is understood to be worth about €6m annually, plus bonuses.

Before Leverkusen can settle on a transfer fee, Diaby and Al-Ittihad must determine how a severance payment for ending his Saudi contract early would be handled.

Bild estimates that Leverkusen could eventually pay just under €30m for the 26-year-old.

Inter remain interested

The delay has also given other clubs an opportunity to enter the race for Diaby.

Inter Milan have reportedly made an initial proposal worth about €20m plus midfielder Kristjan Asllani, but Al-Ittihad rejected the offer because they want a cash-only deal.

Leverkusen are still optimistic about bringing Diaby back to Germany, although the continuing financial discussions mean there is no guarantee that the move will be completed.

For Diaby, whose return would add another African connection to Leverkusen’s squad, the next stage of negotiations will depend largely on resolving his existing financial commitments in Saudi Arabia.