As Moussa Diaby edges closer to an exit from Aston Villa, an interesting perspective has come to light on Unai Emery’s thoughts on the player.
When Aston Villa secured the signing of Moussa Diaby last summer from Bayer Leverkusen, not many would have expected to see the Frenchman depart just one year later.
Now, the 25-year-old looks to be close to joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, as Villa explore a deal with the lucrative side, who are willing to offer the Villans a profit on the winger.
Diaby was signed after impressing in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen however, a new perspective suggests that he may not have been the exact player that Unai Emery wanted.
- READ MORE: How Moussa Diaby reacted to key Unai Emery decision may provide clue into Aston Villa exit
Unai Emery wanted Aston Villa to sign Nico Williams instead of Moussa Diaby in 2023
Having spent a record fee to sign Diaby in 2023, it’s confusing to hear that Villa are willing to part ways with the forward so soon into his time in B6.
The former Leverkusen star contributed to 19 goals in all competitions last term however, the reason for his exit could now have been made a little clearer.
In a report from The Athletic, it’s suggested that Diaby was not in fact Emery’s top target last summer, with Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams named as the Spaniard’s favoured capture.
‘Contrary to reports, Diaby was not Emery’s top target. That was instead Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, the 22-year-old Spain forward who starred at Euro 2024.’
The report goes on to say that Diaby was ‘lower down the list of priorities’, as Emery searched for the perfect profile to combine with Ollie Watkins in the number 10 role.
The Villa boss may not have got his man last summer however, Villa are now in a rare, but advantageous, position this summer.
Could Villa sign Williams this summer?
Emery may not be out of luck in his pursuit to land Williams, who has been linked to Villa once more this summer.
Barcelona are keen to acquire the winger from Athletic Bilbao however, face fierce competition from Premier League clubs, with Villa named as one of those waiting to see the Spaniard’s next steps.
The difficulty could come based on the increased competition that the Villans may face for Williams, who dazzled at Euro 2024, winning the tournament with Spain.
In reaction to the 22-year-old’s performances this summer, former Premier League boss Alan Pardew dubbed the Villa target a ‘revelation’ when speaking on talkSPORT [15/07/24 – 09:23].
Villa could now be in a position to replace Diaby with the player Emery really wanted, all while gaining a profit on the Frenchman, which could be a blockbuster move following Williams’ spectacular form on the world stage at Euro 2024.
