Moussa Diaby outlines his delight after completing move to Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee… as the French forward insists he is ‘very proud’ to join the club
Moussa Diaby outlines his joy after completing the move to Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee… as the French striker insists he is ‘very proud’ to join the club
- Moussa Diaby has completed his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Aston Villa
- The French forward has been linked with several top clubs around the world
- Diaby will join Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans at Villa this summer
Moussa Diaby has expressed his joy after completing a move to Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen.
The French striker joined Unai Emery after an impressive four years in the Bundesliga.
Having broken through at PSG before moving on due to lack of playing time, Diaby is naturally talented, which is evident in his 10 caps for France.
He enjoyed a brilliant campaign in Germany last year, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions as he helped lead Leverkusen’s turnaround under Xabi Alonso.
Mail Sport reported how Diaby was identified as a key target for Villa this summer and the club battled stiff competition from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for his signature.
French striker Moussa Diaby has completed his move from Bayern Leverkusen to Aston Villa
Diaby, 24, netted 97 goals in 172 appearances for Leverkusen after joining from PSG
The 24-year-old – who has scored 97 goals in 172 appearances for Leverkusen – has also been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United.
While the transfer fee is not being disclosed, it is believed to be in excess of £50 million, as reported by Mail Sport earlier this month.
This would surpass the record £33 million they paid for Emi Buendia when they signed the Argentine from Norwich in 2021.
And after his transfer was confirmed on Saturday night, Diaby could hardly hide his delight at the move to the Premier League.
He tweeted, “Very proud to start a new chapter and join @AVFCOfficial. Up the villa.’
He will be Unai Emery’s (left) third signing of what is proving to be a busy summer
The French star has already joined his new teammates on their pre-season tour of the US.
He will be Emery’s third signing this summer after they already signed defender Pau Torres from Villarreal for £33million and got Youri Tielemans for free after he left Leicester.
It promises to be an important season for Villa after the Spanish coach made a stunning impression at the club after replacing Steven Gerrard last November and guiding them to the Europa Conference League.
It will be the first time in 13 years that they play in European football.
They kick off their Premier League campaign with a tough trip to Newcastle on Saturday, August 12.