Bayer Leverkusen are continuing to work on a deal to sign Diaby from Al-Ittihad, with the transfer fee reportedly set at 30 million euros, according to German newspaper Bild.
The Bundesliga club have already reached an agreement with the player on a contract running until 2031, the report says. However, the move cannot yet be completed because compensation for ending Diaby’s existing contract with Al-Ittihad remains to be settled.
Diaby is under contract with the Saudi Arabian club until 2029. Any agreement between the player and Bayer Leverkusen must therefore also resolve the terms of his early departure from Al-Ittihad.
The latest developments represent encouraging news for Bayer Leverkusen, who have been pursuing the transfer. Saudi media previously reported that Al-Ittihad were already searching for a replacement for the right winger, amid strong indications that Diaby was likely to leave the club.
Diaby was not included in the Al-Ittihad squad for their 3-0 away victory against Najma in the Saudi Cup. The official explanation was that he had been rested ahead of Friday’s away fixture at Al-Qadisiyah, allowing him to prepare for the next league match.
Despite the progress reported by Bild, Bayer Leverkusen are not expected to announce the completion of the transfer before the cup weekend. The remaining contractual issues mean the deal is not yet fully concluded.
The German club also face a decision over how long they can continue waiting for Diaby. If the transfer is delayed indefinitely, Bayer Leverkusen will be unable to continue strengthening their right-wing position during the current window.
For now, the reported agreement on personal terms and the 30 million euro fee means the main outstanding issue concerns the compensation required to terminate Diaby’s contract with Al-Ittihad. Until that matter is resolved, the transfer cannot be formally confirmed by Bayer Leverkusen.
The potential move would see Diaby return to the Bundesliga, although the report does not indicate that the transfer has been officially completed. Bayer Leverkusen remain in talks while they assess whether the final contractual arrangements can be agreed before the end of the cup weekend.
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