Aston Villa’s record signing Moussa Diaby is set to join Al-Ittihad in a deal worth around €60million (£50.6m; $65.3m).
The 25-year-old has agreed personal terms and a long-term contract with the Saudi Pro League club.
Diaby joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth around €40million plus add-ons. He signed a five-year deal which runs until 2028.
He made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, providing 10 goals and nine assists and featured in all 38 of Villa’s Premier League fixtures as the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 41 years.
Diaby was also the subject of links to the Saudi Pro League last summer before his move to Villa, attracting interest from Al-Nassr.
The Saudi Arabia ministry of sport announced last summer the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was taking control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League — Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr — and this led to an influx in overseas talent.
Al-Ittihad signed Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and Fabinho from Liverpool.
The Athletic reported this month former Inter Milan manager Stefano Pioli is set to be appointed Al Ittihad’s new head coach following the dismissal of Marcelo Gallardo.
Villa have completed the signings of Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, while Douglas Luiz, Tim Iroegbunam, Omari Kellyman and Morgan Sanson have departed. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho has also joined Vasco da Gama on a season-long loan.
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Diaby initially impressed at Villa – would a move to Saudi Arabia suit all parties?
(Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
