Recent press reports, citing reliable Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, have confirmed that the management of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad club has definitively decided on the future of its French star, the speedy winger Moussa Diaby, amid growing interest from Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan in signing him during the current summer transfer window.
Background of the deal and historical context
Moussa Diaby joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 from English club Aston Villa, in a transfer that was part of a major overhaul of the Saudi Professional League aimed at attracting international stars. Diaby, who began his career at the Paris Saint-Germain academy and impressed with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, was seen as one of the key assets in Al-Ittihad's squad, expected to bolster their attacking capabilities and compete strongly for domestic and continental titles. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, the team's first season fell short of expectations, prompting the management to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the club's sporting project.
The federation's firm stance: no loans allowed
According to sources, Al-Ittihad's management, headed by Luay Nazer, informed their counterparts at Inter Milan that the only way to sign Diaby is through a permanent transfer. The Saudi club completely rejects the idea of loaning the player or any other arrangement that doesn't guarantee a permanent sale of his contract. This condition reflects Al-Ittihad's desire to maximize the financial benefit from the deal, which can then be reinvested in strengthening the squad with new players who align with the vision of their new coach, the Portuguese Sergio Conceição.
The player's importance to the new project and his expected impact
Coach Conceição, who recently took over the technical direction, is adamant about keeping Diaby in his starting lineup, viewing him as a pivotal player in his future plans thanks to his exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and playmaking abilities. The report indicated that the Portuguese coach will only agree to the player's departure if a substantial and irresistible financial offer is received, commensurate with the player's considerable value in the European market. Domestically, retaining Diaby sends a strong message from Al-Ittihad about their ambitions for the new season and their desire to build a stable and competitive team. Regionally, this situation highlights the negotiating power of Saudi clubs and their ability to retain their stars in the face of offers from major European clubs, further solidifying the Roshan League's position as an attractive and stable destination for global talent.
