Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of winger Moussa Diaby, who has completed a permanent move to Al Ittihad.
The French forward became Villa’s record signing last summer, beating off opposition from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in a deal worth more than £50 million. In a successful debut season, he scored six goals and assisted eight times in 38 Premier League appearances.
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However, after turning down a move to the Middle East last summer, Diaby’s attention was drawn back to Al Ittihad, who paid around £50 million to pull the 25-year-old away from Villa Park.
“Villans, thank you for everything. “It is time to say goodbye,” Diaby stated on social media. “I’d want to thank the club, the team members, the staff, and everyone who works at Aston Villa.
“I’ve always done my best to support the club and the team, and we’ve had some fantastic moments that will live in my memories. We’ve had a terrific season, full of love and happiness.
“Together, we’ve achieved our objectives. The club will be playing in the Champions League next year and I wish them success. It’s a season I will remember forever. Villans, I won’t forget you.”
Villa may have already identified Diaby’s replacement, having re-signed former youth star Jaden Philogene from Hull City earlier this month. Samuel Iling Junior also participated in the trade that brought Douglas Luiz to Juventus.
Cameron Archer has rejoined the club following Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship, although the teenage striker is set to go again, either on loan or permanently.
Diaby’s sale brings some much-needed funds back to Villa in a summer which has seen them spend close to £150m on new signings.
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