Bayer Leverkusen nears return of Moussa Diaby

Bayer Leverkusen is nearing a deal to re-sign winger Moussa Diaby from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad FC. Leverkusen's sporting director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that negotiations are advanced, stating, “We are far [along], that can be said,” and expressed hope to finalize the transfer within the coming days.

Diaby, 27, previously played for Leverkusen between 2019 and 2023, where he recorded 49 goals and 47 assists in 172 competitive matches. He left the club for Aston Villa in 2023 before moving to Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate the transfer fee to Al-Ittihad will be approximately 28 million euros.

Rolfes noted that Diaby will return to the club with a different standing than when he first arrived at age 20, emphasizing the importance of the player's maturity and his expected impact on the squad.