Aston Villa's summer signing Moussa Diaby is reportedly set to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window, a mere six months after his high-profile arrival. The French winger, who joined for a club-record fee believed to be around £51.9 million from Bayer Leverkusen, could be heading to the Saudi Pro League.
Shock Move After Record-Breaking Transfer
According to reports from French outlet L'Equipe, a deal is being finalised that would see Diaby move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia on a loan basis until the end of the current season. This potential exit comes as a significant surprise given the fanfare surrounding his signing and the substantial investment Villa made to secure his services.
The 25-year-old was a marquee acquisition for manager Unai Emery, intended to add pace and creativity to Villa's attack as they embarked on a campaign with Champions League aspirations. His departure would represent a dramatic and swift U-turn in the club's plans for a player once seen as a cornerstone of their project.
Behind the Scenes at Villa Park
While Diaby has shown flashes of his undeniable talent, contributing with goals and assists, it is understood that Unai Emery has not been fully convinced by the player's adaptation to his tactical demands. The manager's system requires intense defensive work and precise positioning from his wide attackers, areas where it is believed Diaby has struggled to consistently meet expectations.
This potential loan move indicates that Emery and the Villa hierarchy are already considering alternative options to fulfil that crucial role in the squad. Letting a player of Diaby's cost and profile leave on loan is a clear signal that plans have changed, and it allows the club to reassess the situation in the summer without committing to a permanent sale immediately.
Implications for Villa's Season and Future
If the loan to Al Nassr is completed, it will free up significant space on the wage bill and potentially create room within the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for Aston Villa to be active in the January market. Emery may look to bring in a replacement who is a more natural fit for his philosophy, or redistribute the minutes among existing squad members like Leon Bailey, who has been in excellent form.
For Diaby, a stint in Saudi Arabia offers regular playing time and a chance to rediscover his confidence, albeit away from the spotlight of European football. For Aston Villa, it is a bold and pragmatic admission that a major investment has not worked out as planned, and a swift attempt to rectify the situation as they push for a top-four finish.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this loan exit is finalised and what it means for the club's ambitions in the second half of the season.
