Three years later — a stunning reunion! Bundesliga giants bring back their former star
Sometimes the best transfer is the one that brings a star back home.
Details: Bayer Leverkusen have officially announced the return of French winger Moussa Diaby from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. The 27-year-old has signed a long-term contract with the Bundesliga side running until June 30, 2031, completing his comeback three years after leaving the BayArena.
Diaby will once again wear the No.19 shirt, the same number he used during his first spell with Leverkusen. The club confirmed the transfer on September 1 and welcomed back an attacker who developed into one of the Bundesliga's most dangerous players during his previous four-year stay in Germany.
The Frenchman initially represented Bayer from 2019 to 2023 before moving to Aston Villa in the Premier League. After one season in England, he continued his career at Al Ittihad, where he played alongside Karim Benzema and helped the Saudi club win the domestic league title in 2025.
Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes highlighted Diaby's exceptional pace, dribbling and ability to add further options to the team's attacking game. Diaby himself admitted he did not hesitate when the opportunity to return emerged, explaining that the club had given him enormous trust at the beginning of his career in Germany. It is worth noting that during his first spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby registered 49 goals and 48 assists in 173 competitive appearances.
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Steven Perez
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