Moussa Diaby’s proposed return to Bayer Leverkusen has been placed on hold after a late disagreement with Al-Ittihad over outstanding financial payments.
The France winger had already begun preparing for a move back to the Bundesliga, with negotiations between Al-Ittihad and Bayer Leverkusen understood to have made progress. However, the transfer cannot be completed until Diaby and his current club reach a final agreement over the money still owed to him.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, no definitive settlement has yet been reached between the player and Al-Ittihad. The unresolved issue has delayed the remaining formalities of the transfer and left Diaby’s future uncertain while discussions continue.
Diaby had already moved into the atmosphere of a potential return to Germany as the two clubs worked towards an agreement. The financial disagreement, however, has forced the deal back into negotiations and created further uncertainty over when it can be officially concluded.
The next few hours could prove decisive. Al-Ittihad and Diaby are seeking a final arrangement regarding his outstanding payments, which would then allow the French winger to complete his proposed move to Bayer Leverkusen.
The dispute has implications beyond Diaby’s own situation. Al-Ittihad are also waiting for the former player’s departure to be resolved before completing their pursuit of Japan international Ritsu Doan, who is nearing a move to the Saudi club.
That means the Diaby transfer has become the final outstanding step in Al-Ittihad’s plans before they can proceed with the deal for Doan. The club must first settle the financial details with Diaby and complete the winger’s departure, after which it can move ahead with the procedures required to sign the Japanese player.
Al-Ittihad are keen to resolve the matter quickly so the disagreement does not disrupt their wider transfer strategy and plans to strengthen the squad. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are waiting for formal clearance to bring back their former player.
For now, Diaby’s move remains dependent on the outcome of the financial talks. Although the transfer had appeared to be moving towards completion and the player had already taken steps towards returning to Germany, the outstanding payments have prevented the deal from being finalised.
The latest development also means Al-Ittihad’s next transfer move is tied directly to the resolution of Diaby’s case. Until an agreement is reached, the proposed arrival of Ritsu Doan will remain affected by the delay surrounding the French winger’s departure.
The story comes as Saudi football continues to attract major international names and transfer activity, with clubs attempting to complete several deals during the current market. A separate football story highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise above Majed Abdullah to become Al-Nassr’s leading scorer in the Roshn Saudi League.
For Diaby, however, the immediate focus is on reaching an agreement with Al-Ittihad. His return to Bayer Leverkusen remains open, but the transfer will not receive official confirmation until the financial dispute has been settled.
