Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed crucial developments regarding the future of French winger Moussa Diaby, confirming a preliminary agreement between the player and Italian champions Inter Milan for him to join their ranks this summer. This agreement puts Saudi club Al-Ittihad in a difficult position, as they are still refusing the offer presented so far, turning the negotiations into a battle of wills that could shape the future of the transfer market.
Background to the deal: The player's ambition clashes with the reality of contracts
According to Romano, Diaby, who joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2013 from Aston Villa in a big-money deal, has informed his club's management of his clear desire to return to Europe via Inter Milan. The player's desire is driven by the Nerazzurri's sporting project, which guarantees him participation in the Champions League and competition at the highest level, potentially boosting his chances of returning to the French national team. Diaby, who honed his talent at the Paris Saint-Germain academy and shone brightly with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, sees a move to Serie A as a logical step in his career.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
Domestically, for Inter Milan, signing Diaby represents a huge qualitative addition to Simone Inzaghi's squad. His blistering pace, dribbling ability, and versatility in playing multiple attacking positions will provide the team with additional options and deepen the squad as they prepare to defend their league title and compete in fierce continental competitions. As for the Saudi league, the departure of a star of Diaby's caliber after just one season could be a blow to its strategy of attracting and retaining international stars, and raises questions about the league's long-term ability to compete with the allure of Europe's top leagues.
The financial obstacle and the Union's firm stance
The main problem lies in the formula presented by Inter Milan, as the club suffers from financial constraints preventing it from making a direct purchase offer. The current offer is a loan with a non-obligatory purchase option for €35 million, which Al-Ittihad's management has categorically rejected. From the Saudi club's perspective, this offer is unfair and does not compensate for the significant investment made to acquire the player. Al-Ittihad insists on receiving a permanent transfer offer or a loan with an obligation to buy for a sum that satisfies its financial ambitions. While Inter monitors the situation, awaiting any changes, negotiations continue between the three parties, in a race against time to determine the French player's next destination.
