The idea of losing Moussa Diaby has quickly become very real for Aston Villa, who have now been warned of the repercussions if the deal does not happen.
It’s been a whirlwind transfer window so far for Aston Villa, with every week seeming to bring another change to the squad.
Unai Emery and Monchi have already offloaded Douglas Luiz, Omari Kellyman and Tim Iroegbunam permanently and Philippe Coutinho on loan, with Moussa Diaby now expected to follow.
After signing for Villa last summer, it would be a shock to see the Frenchman depart so swiftly, however, it’s now a transfer that must happen for several reasons.
Aston Villa warned that not selling Moussa Diaby could cause a problem for Unai Emery
Currently participating in training at Bodymoor Heath, news of Diaby’s possible departure has come as a shock for Villa.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad are reported to be eager to capture the forward this summer and are willing to offer a ‘substantial profit’ to Villa to make the deal happen, as per The Athletic.
Monchi made Diaby Villa’s record signing last summer and even after a mostly encouraging first season, his time in B6 could come to a premature end.
While all things point to Diaby’s exit, journalist John Townley has now warned Villa of a possible “messy situation” if the transfer was not to happen when speaking on the Claret and Blue podcast.
The BirminghamLive reporter and Villa expert shared his belief that Diaby not leaving could cause problems for Emery and pending arrival, Jaden Philogene.
“I feel like if it’s a deal where if it wasn’t to go through for big money, Villa would be left in a situation where they’ve just bought Philogene, who would now be like ‘ok where do I stand here?’.
“Would Diaby just be used as a second striker and not play so many games? It just feels like a bit of a messy situation if it doesn’t go through now. I’m at the point now where I think that deal needs to happen to just move on.”
Diaby sale to Al-Ittihad this summer makes sense for Villa
After contributing to 19 goals in all competitions during his first season, Diaby impressed to some extent however, the Frenchman quickly fell out of favour with Emery.
Despite racking up 54 appearances, the 25-year-old was dropped to the bench in the latter stages of the season after failing to maintain his blistering start to the campaign.
Now, Diaby’s position at Villa is far from indispensable, making a possible exit for profit a tempting proposition for Monchi to consider.
Townley’s reference to Philogene runs true, with Emery now having further attacking talent to integrate into his squad, making a swift exit for Diaby a logical move.
Given that Al-Ittihad are willing to break the bank to recruit the former Bayer Leverkusen ace, Villa have little option but to sanction his departure.
