On the face of things, Diaby had a solid debut campaign at Aston Villa.
The initial fanfare that came with his arrival — following two goals and an assist in his first three games — plateaued, but Diaby still registered 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions and with 54 appearances, played more than any other player.
However, contrary to reports, Diaby was not Unai Emery’s top target. That was instead Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Spain forward who starred at Euro 2024.
Williams and Diaby were of a similar profile. Diaby being lower down the list of priorities, though, was gradually shown up in Emery’s use of him.
His stock fell sharply, going from an integral creative hub to a peripheral starter before being left out of December’s home double-header against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Emery attempted to wrestle Diaby’s form and confidence back, but those words appeared hollow given Villa were moving in a tactically different direction, with a preference for control over Diaby’s directness.
When considering the dwindling credit in Diaby’s bank and having never been the primary target, it is little surprise both parties are amenable to offers from elsewhere.
GO FURTHER
Moussa Diaby initially impressed – so why are Aston Villa open to selling him?
