Aston Villa could lose Moussa Diaby this summer just one year after signing the winger however, a perfect replacement has now been identified.
The summer transfer window has been full of surprises at Aston Villa, as Monchi and Unai Emery continue to explore the market.
Nine deals have been completed so far, with two more expected to happen in the coming days with Jaden Philogene and Amadou Onana poised to arrive.
As well as incomings, departures are also forecast, with one 2023 arrival now seeing his future in doubt.
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Aston Villa told to sign Joao Felix amid Al-Ittihad interest in Moussa Diaby
Last summer, Aston Villa signed Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen in a transfer that symbolised a statement of intent from Emery and Monchi.
While things started well for the 25-year-old in the Premier League, his form soon fizzled out, seeing him benched by the manager.
Just a year down the line, it looks as though Diaby could leave Villa, with The Athletic reporting that Al-Ittihad are prepared to offer the club a ‘substantial profit’ to sign their ‘long-standing’ target.
The news was reported by journalist Jacob Tanswell, who identified who the perfect replacement for the 2023 arrival could be when speaking on the 1874 podcast.
“Villa would only sanction a sale for Diaby if they can get a player to replace him. I think that a player who can play just off the top of the front of Watkins, like a Joao Felix who Emery really admires would be ideal.
“At the same time, if Villa didn’t get Joao Felix then you’ve got a Morgan Rogers and a Jacob Ramsey who could play in that position. I think if Diaby could go, it would have to be for an impressive fee, but there is definitely interest there.”
Interestingly, Villa have been linked to Joao Felix this summer, as the 24-year-old hunts a new club after returning to Atletico Madrid from a loan spell at Barcelona.
Spanish publication Marca explained that Atletico value the forward around €60m (£50m) this summer, which could be interesting for Villa if Diaby does depart.
Felix would be the perfect replacement for Diaby
As highlighted by Tanswell, Felix’s positional style would suit what Emery requires from a possible Diaby replacement.
The Frenchman worked best hovering around Ollie Watkins during the 2023/24 season, with the Portgual international being a wizard at playing the flexible role.
Dubbed a “phenomenon” by former youth coach Renato Paiva, via The Athletic, Felix is a high-calibre player capable of bringing flair to the Premier League.
During the 2022/23 campaign, the 24-year-old spent some time at Chelsea, where he impressed with his creative fluidity and eye for goal.
| Joao Felix | Moussa Diaby | |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.41 | 0.25 |
| Progressive carries | 4.03 | 3.89 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.69 | 1.20 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.51 | 0.29 |
| Key passes | 1.11 | 1.95 |
| Through balls | 0.47 | 0.25 |
As displayed in the table above, the similarities between the two players’ approach to attacking makes it clear why Tanswell has urged Villa to eye Felix as a possible replacement.
The Portuguese forward has identical statistical strengths to Diaby, based on the pair’s respective league form over the 2023/24 campaign.
The only difference is that Felix betters the Villa man in most departments, particularly through his threat on goal, which could be beneficial to Watkins’ playmaking ability.
It would be an impressive coup for Monchi if Diaby is to leave, with the Saudi Pro League side clearly keen to acquire the 25-year-old this summer.
