Diaby returns to Leverkusen from Al-Ittihad

Bayer Leverkusen has brought France international Moussa Diaby back to the Bundesliga, with the winger signing a contract until June 2031 after leaving Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old returns three years after ending his first spell at Leverkusen and will again wear the number 19 shirt. His move was only completed after Al-Ittihad gave their final approval following prolonged negotiations.

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Juventus vies with Moussa Diaby of Leverkusen during a UEFA Champions league group D soccer match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Juventus FC in Leverkusen, Germany, Dec. 11, 2019. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said Diaby's speed and ability in one-on-one situations would broaden Leverkusen's attacking options. "With his exceptional pace and dribbling, he will give our attacking game additional quality and even more possibilities," Rolfes said, praising Diaby as a player with "a fantastic attitude towards his profession."

Diaby initially joined Leverkusen from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 as a young prospect and developed into a France international during four seasons with the German club. He registered 49 goals and 48 assists in 173 competitive appearances before moving to Premier League side Aston Villa in 2023.

After one season in England, the Paris-born attacker joined Al-Ittihad in July 2024. Playing alongside Karim Benzema, Diaby helped the Jeddah club win the Saudi Professional League title in 2025.

The winger, who has won 11 caps for France, said his relationship with Leverkusen and Rolfes made returning an easy decision. "I came to Germany as a very young and inexperienced player. Bayer 04 Leverkusen placed a lot of trust in me and always supported me," Diaby said. "I haven't forgotten that, and Simon always stayed in contact with me. When the approach came and the move became possible, I didn't hesitate for a second."

Diaby returns to a club he believes has developed considerably since his departure and said competing for silverware was a major motivation behind the move. "The club has become even bigger in the meantime, aiming for titles with Bayer 04 is a wonderful prospect and a very big goal of mine," he said.