In a move reflecting the great ambitions of Saudi clubs in the global transfer market, reliable press reports, most notably the French network RMC SPORT, revealed that the management of the Saudi Al-Ittihad club rejected an official offer from the Italian club Inter Milan, the runner-up in the European Championship, to acquire the services of the French international winger Moussa Diaby during the current winter transfer period.
According to sources, the offer from the Italian club was not a permanent transfer, but rather a loan until the end of the season with an option for Inter Milan to buy the player outright for €35 million. While this sum is considered substantial, Al-Ittihad's management felt the offer did not meet the club's ambitions and did not reflect the true value of a player of Diaby's caliber, who is considered a key pillar around whom the team's future is being built.
Background of the deal and the clubs' ambitions
This strong interest from Inter Milan comes in the context of Diaby's impressive professional career. The 24-year-old, who came through the Paris Saint-Germain academy, saw his talent truly blossom in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, making him a target for several top European clubs before his record-breaking move to the English Premier League. These rumors and reports demonstrate the growing appeal of Saudi Pro League clubs and their ability not only to attract world-class players but also to retain them despite the allure of Europe's elite clubs.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
Al-Ittihad's decision to reject the offer carries significant implications on several levels. Locally , it sends a clear message that major Saudi clubs, backed by the Public Investment Fund, are no longer merely final destinations for big-name stars, but have become integrated sports projects aimed at building strong and stable teams capable of competing at the highest levels. Regionally and internationally , this rejection represents a direct challenge to the dominance of European clubs in the player market and confirms that the balance of power is beginning to shift. Rejecting an offer from a club the size of Inter Milan is seen as a declaration of intent that Saudi clubs are major players in the market, capable of retaining their prized assets and rejecting offers that do not meet their financial and technical standards.
While other reports have indicated that the player may be clinging to the idea of leaving and returning to the European spotlight through Inter Milan, the official position of Al-Ittihad Club remains decisive so far, stressing the importance of Diaby continuing within the team’s ranks to compete in local and continental championships.
