Moussa Diaby joins Aston Villa in club record deal | OneFootball

Aston Villa have today confirmed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen attacker Moussa Diaby (24) in a club record deal. According to Kicker, the Bundesliga side will receive a reported €55m plus further bonuses.

Emiliano Buendia was Villa’s record signing in June 2021 at £33m but the signing of Diaby eclipses that. The Premier League side, coached by Unai Emery, also beat off competition from Al-Nassr to sign the Frenchman, who scored 49 goals and created 48 in 172 games during his four year stay in Germany. Diaby’s best season at Die Werkself was the 2021/22 season, where he scored 13 and created 12 to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

“I was given so much confidence and playing time as a very young player that I was ultimately able to become who I am today,” said Diaby. “Without Bayer 04 and all the teammates and employees who have always supported me, it might not have been possible so quickly.”

Diaby becomes the second player to arrive at Villa following the transfer of Leon Bailey in 2021. Diaby and Bailey played at Leverkusen together for two years.

Bayer Leverkusen have recruited well this summer with Alex Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka and Jonas Hofmann, while today the club announced the signing of Victor Boniface for €20m. However, Diaby may not be the only high profile departure at the club with European teams monitoring the situation of Jeremie Frimpong.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder