Moussa Diaby’s proposed return to Bayer Leverkusen has been placed in doubt after Al-Ittihad winger Roger Fernandes suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
According to Tuttomercato, Leverkusen had agreed personal terms with Diaby on a contract running until June 2031 and was close to settling the transfer with Al-Ittihad.
Fernandes’ injury has changed the Saudi club’s position. Al-Ittihad may withdraw its permission for Diaby to leave because losing both wide attackers would leave a large gap in the squad.
Leverkusen had made substantial progress before the injury. Diaby was ready to return to Germany, while the clubs were approaching an agreement over the financial conditions of the transfer.
Al-Ittihad has yet to make a final decision. The club must now determine whether it can find another winger before allowing Diaby to leave or whether keeping the French international represents the safer option.
Diaby joined Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa in July 2024 on a five-year contract running until June 2029. SoccerNews reported his £50 million move to Saudi Arabia after he spent only one season in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old already knows Leverkusen well. He joined the German club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and made 172 appearances before moving to Aston Villa four years later.
Diaby scored 49 goals during his first spell and became one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous counterattacking players. His speed, direct running and ability to play on either wing explain why Leverkusen wants to bring him back.
The deal also offered Diaby a clear route back into European soccer. His agreement through 2031 showed that Leverkusen viewed him as more than a short-term option.
Fernandes had become an important part of Al-Ittihad’s attack after arriving from Braga in 2025. The Portuguese winger can play on both sides and had begun combining effectively with the club’s other forwards. He scored against Neom in a move that also involved Diaby during the previous campaign.
An ACL injury is expected to keep Fernandes out for a large part of the season. That leaves Al-Ittihad with a sporting reason to stop a transfer that had been close to completion.
Diaby would have joined a Leverkusen team now managed by Carles Martinez, whose system requires quick attacking players capable of changing positions across the front line.
Status: Diaby has agreed personal terms with Leverkusen through June 2031, and the clubs had moved close to an agreement. Roger Fernandes’ ACL injury may cause Al-Ittihad to block the transfer. No final club agreement, medical or official announcement has been completed.
Transfer News
Stuttgart agrees €25m Dženan Pejčinović transfer
Transfer News
Everton and Crystal Palace agree McNeil-Johnson swap
Transfer News
Roma considers Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal lowers asking price
Transfer News
Atletico Madrid submits €35m offer for Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Transfer News
Napoli contacts Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal sets €20m price
Transfer News
Manchester United prepared to discuss Zirkzee loan with Juventus
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
