Moussa Diaby, the French winger, has made a significant move to the Saudi Pro League, joining Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa on a five-year contract. Diaby’s arrival comes after a successful season with Villa, where he made 54 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists. This impressive performance helped the club secure a spot in the Champions League.
The transfer fee paid by Al-Ittihad for Diaby remains undisclosed. He joins a growing list of French internationals at the Jeddah-based club, including Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante. The club, under the management of French coach Laurent Blanc, is looking to strengthen its squad after a challenging season that saw them finish fifth in the Saudi league and lose the Saudi Super Cup final to Al-Hilal.
Al-Ittihad’s CEO, Domingos Oliveira, expressed confidence in Diaby’s ability to contribute significantly to the team, highlighting the need to strengthen the winger position. He believes Diaby is one of the top players globally in this role. The club’s league campaign begins on August 24th with a match against Al Kholood.
Saudi Arabian clubs have become major players in the international transfer market, with a significant investment in top talent. In 2023, they were among the top five spenders, investing $970 million in new players, according to FIFA. This strategy has attracted some of the world’s biggest names, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The influx of high-profile players has undoubtedly raised the profile of the Saudi Pro League, positioning it as a serious contender in international football.
