Moussa Diaby completes Bayer Leverkusen return from Al-Ittihad
Moussa Diaby has completed his return to Bayer Leverkusen, re-signing from Al-Ittihad on a five-year contract through to 2031.
The French winger registered 49 goals and 47 assists in a hugely impressive spell at the BayArena between 2019 and 2023, before departing for English Premier League side Aston Villa.
He spent the last two seasons with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, helping the club win the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup in 2024/25.
"We've brought a great forward back to the Bundesliga in Moussa. He'll give our attacking game additional quality and more possibilities," said Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes. "It's not just Bayer 04 fans who can be excited about Moussa. He'll be an asset for the entire Bundesliga."
Diaby himself added: "I came to Germany as a very young, inexperienced player. Leverkusen put a lot of trust in me and supported me. I haven't forgotten that and always remained in touch with Simon.
"When the enquiry came in and a move was possible, I didn't hesitate a second. The club has become a lot bigger in the meantime. Pushing for titles with Bayer 04 is a big goal of mine."
After joining Paris Saint-Germain as a 13-year-old in 2013, Diaby rose through the youth ranks at the Ligue 1 giants before signing his first professional contract in September 2017, aged 18.
He spent the second half of the 2017/18 season with Crotone in Italy’s Serie A but made 25 appearances for Thomas Tuchel’s PSG side the following season, helping the club defend their Ligue 1 title.
However, it was not until he joined Leverkusen in 2019 that Diaby truly established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. He made 172 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 125 in the Bundesliga.
Diaby also earned his first call-up to the senior France national team during his first stint at the BayArena.
He signed for Villa in July 2023 but left England after just one season at Villa Park, joining Al-Ittihad in July 2024.
Now, the 27-year-old, who will again wear the No.19 shirt he had during his first spell at the BayArena, will be eager to hit the ground running in his second stint in the Bundesliga, with Leverkusen looking to bounce back from their opening 3-2 defeat at promoted Elversberg when they host Union Berlin on Saturday.
