Moussa Diaby was left out of Al-Ittihad’s travelling squad for their match against Al-Qadsiah on Friday, amid ongoing negotiations over a possible return to Bayer Leverkusen.
The France winger did not join the team as it travelled to Dammam for the second round of the Roshn Saudi League, adding to speculation that his time with Al-Ittihad could be coming to an end.
According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Diaby’s absence is linked to growing uncertainty over his future and discussions about a move to a European club.
It will be the second consecutive match Diaby has missed for Al-Ittihad. He was also left out of the squad for the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Najma in the round of 32.
The decision has intensified questions about the 26-year-old’s position at the club, particularly with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly keen to bring him back to Germany.
Diaby enjoyed a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Aston Villa and later joining Al-Ittihad. His performances in Germany established him as one of the club’s most effective attacking players and helped attract interest from leading European sides.
He joined Al-Ittihad with significant expectations and was viewed as a key addition to the club’s forward line. However, the latest developments could lead to another change in the squad, with the transfer window nearing its conclusion.
No final agreement has yet been confirmed between Al-Ittihad, Diaby and Bayer Leverkusen. The coming days are expected to clarify whether negotiations will result in a permanent transfer and whether the player will end his spell in Saudi Arabia to return to European football.
Diaby’s omission from the trip to Dammam therefore provides the clearest indication so far that his immediate future may lie away from Al-Ittihad, although the outcome of the talks remains undecided.
Before the latest uncertainty, the winger had been expected to remain an important part of Al-Ittihad’s attacking plans. His potential departure would leave the club facing another adjustment to its squad at a crucial stage of the season, especially as it continues its campaign in the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup.
