Moussa Diaby signs with Al-Ittihad, adding significant firepower to the Saudi club. Diaby’s move is part of a growing trend of high-profile transfers to the Middle Eastern football scene. The French winger leaves Aston Villa after an impactful season in the Premier League.
- Diaby joins Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa.
- The transfer is part of a trend of high-profile moves to the Middle East.
- Diaby had an impactful season in the Premier League before his move.
Player Profile
Moussa Diaby, born on July 7, 1999, in Paris, France, is a 25-year-old French winger known for his speed and agility. Standing at 1.70 meters, he primarily plays as a right winger and prefers using his left foot. Diaby’s career has seen him play for several clubs, including Espérance Paris 19ème, Paris Saint-Germain, Crotone, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa. As of July 24, 2024, he is a player for Al-Ittihad.
Career Statistics
Club Career
Paris Saint-Germain (2018-2019)
- Appearances: 25
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 6
- Minutes Played: 1,141
Crotone (Loan, 2017-2018)
- Appearances: 2
- Goals: 0
- Assists: 0
- Minutes Played: 69
Bayer Leverkusen (2019-2023)
- Appearances: 125
- Goals: 36
- Assists: 29
- Minutes Played: 9,618
Aston Villa (2023-2024)
- Appearances: 38
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 8
- Minutes Played: 2,174
National Team
- Appearances: 11
- Goals: 0
Transfer History
- Paris Saint-Germain to Bayer Leverkusen (2019): €15 million
- Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa (2023): €55 million
- Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad (2024): Undisclosed fee
Performance Metrics (2023-2024 Season with Aston Villa)
- Premier League Appearances: 38
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 8
- Expected Goals (xG): 7.0
- Expected Assists (xA): 6.6
- Shot-Creating Actions (SCA): 80
- Goal-Creating Actions (GCA): 10
- Pass Completion Rate: 78.4%
- Progressive Passes: 2.98 per 90 minutes
- Progressive Carries: 3.89 per 90 minutes
- Successful Take-Ons: 1.20 per 90 minutes
- Touches in Attacking Penalty Area: 5.63 per 90 minutes
Scouting Report
- Non-Penalty Goals per 90: 0.25
- Assists per 90: 0.33
- Shot-Creating Actions per 90: 3.31
- Progressive Passes per 90: 2.98
- Progressive Carries per 90: 3.89
- Successful Take-Ons per 90: 1.20
- Touches in Attacking Penalty Area per 90: 5.63
Similar Players (Based on Statistical Profiles)
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
- Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
- Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Transfer Context
Moussa Diaby’s move to Al-Ittihad marks a significant step in his career, transitioning from the competitive environment of the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League. This transfer is part of a broader trend of high-profile players moving to the Middle East, attracted by lucrative contracts and the opportunity to be part of growing football projects in the region.
🚨Officiel: Moussa Diaby s’est engagé avec Al-Ittihad 🟡⚫️🇫🇷✍️ https://t.co/L8BDIvH1Sr
pic.twitter.com— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM)
October 07, 2023
For further details on Al-Ittihad’s strategic signings, check out Al Ittihad Eyes Game-Changing Signings Under New Manager.
Additionally, the increasing trend of high-profile transfers to the Middle Eastern football scene is further exemplified in articles like Goalkeeper’s €18m Transfer Deal to Al-Nassr Nears Completion and Brazilian Goalkeeper Signs €18m Deal with Saudi Club.
Explore more on recent surprising moves in football, such as the Top La Liga Striker Makes Surprising Move to Al Gharafa.
This comprehensive report provides detailed insights into Moussa Diaby’s career, performance metrics, and the context of his recent transfer to Al-Ittihad.