The headline is possibly premature, as Diaby hasn’t put pen to paper yet, but it’s looking very likely now that Romano has indicated it’s a done deal.
I was going to write a post about this myself, but young Alfie Ricketts has written in with his opinion, which is way better than me commenting all the time.
Cheers Alfie!
As reported by Tier 1 Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Moussa Diaby became an Aston Villa player this evening for a fee in excess of €50m, joining from Bundlesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Diaby, 24, played 33 games in the Bundlesliga 22/23 season, scoring a total of 9 goals, and providing 9 assists, for a side that ended their campaign 6th in Germany’s top flight. Previously, in the 21/22 Bundlesliga season, the French winger registered 13 goals and 12 assists in 32 games, albeit Leverkusen finished 3rd that season, trailing to the usual two, Bayern and Dortmund.
In and around the fan base, there will be many folk screaming ”Bailey 2.0”, all skill and pace but no end product, but what to expect from Moussa Diaby? Well, as much as I despise the comparison of two professional footballers, it is hard to let the fact that the substantiation of Moussa Diaby’s end product towers over that of Leon Bailey. In my opinion, we have a rapid, skillful winger, who implements those attributes into his game in order to generate an end product, whilst clearly working well with those around him, as proved by the assist count.
Additionally, despite not receiving much of a look in, understandably due to the likes of Mbappe and Benzema, Moussa Diaby has received 9 international caps for the French national team already. I presume a big factor in Diaby’s decision to join Aston Villa, is the higher chance of winning caps for the French setup when playing in the Premiership. Now it’s his chance to prove himself on the big stage, he will be out to do that in true style under Unai Emery.
Overall, Diaby has established himself as a winger with decent end product and someone who wants to work his way into the France squad, which will be done by his, hopefully impressive, performances for Aston Villa. I am confident that we have hit the nail on the head with this one; we’ve got it right, Diaby is for sure the player I am most excited to watch next season, and I am incredibly happy with this transfer on a personal basis.
UTV 🙂
Comments
91 responses to “Diaby Signs – Now here’s what to expect from the winger.”
This, to me is a simply stunning signing.
There have been top clubs from all over Europe keeping their eye on this player.
What is interesting is that he was on the verge of breaking into the PSG first team under Emery, yet the manager never gave him a start. Even so, Diaby has still decided to come to the Villa, which tells me he rates the manager.
Second, apparently Al Nassr were chasing Diaby, no doubt to feed Ronaldo and you would imagine that they probably offered stupid wages. The fact that he’s turned them down indicates that this lad has immense good character and his priorities will be self improvement, as opposed to money.
If we were to stop now in our pursuit of players, I think I’d be reasonably happy. I know there’s a clamour for a striker and I mostly agree with that, but I don’t believe our main problem is scoring goals and we should get more with this sort of player assisting.
The thing is, I think we’re in the market for a striker and if it’s doable, we’ll get one, even if it costs a fortune. I suspect the big problem is getting a decent quality/cost ratio.
This is looking to be the best window I can remember for many a year.
Oh, I forgot.
I wanted to say thanks to Naka, who’s signed for Luton for an undisclosed fee.
I feel he was good servant for us and never did much wrong.
I’m sure he’ll do a great job for Luton and it’s nice to know he’ll be playing regularly.
I had the news off my grandson Badger who added that Fabrizio Romano is the only person trusted in the footballing world to be given news on moves of that nature, I have to say what a signing for us and yes we do need a striker but as you’ve said I’m happy to see what we have in signings. We will be classed as being a candidate as another top six club with eyes on us by the media and advertising trying to be part of our club .Badger the big days are back . Utv .
There’s little doubt we’re signing players a level higher than we’ve been used to Bill. All down to Emery, no doubt.
Certainly I’ve seen fans of other clubs descibing us as “a dark horse” and a team to watch out for”.
I do hope it all doesn’t end up as another letdown, as I reckon it’s about time a club of our stature in the game had a stint near the top.
Heard this confirmed on TalkShite an hour ago. Brilliant news! Apparently a couple more signings due in the next few days.
Yes a big improvement on Traoré, and I won’t be surprised now if for some European away legs Bailey replaces Watkins at CF and Diaby is on the right wing.
For EPL matches I expect Diaby to improve Watkins goal tally since I think Watkins is better at volleying into goal from right wing crosses than from left wing crosses. I think it is now curtains for Traoré if he wants regular first team football.
Yep, that’s how I see it too, OLL.
Except one of Bailey or Traore is a goner, imo. It’s all about how good a deal we can do.
I don’t see Bailey going anywhere, unless he throws his toys out of the pram. IMO much more likely that we’ll try to move Traore out – there’s apparently still interest in him from Turkey.
I was wondering why Emery was so keen on Diaby but perhaps this from the Guardian explains it –
‘The France international was in the youth setup at Paris Saint-Germain while Emery was in charge of the Ligue 1 club.’
So a known quantity to Emery then.
Gentlemen
I am truly impressed with our activity in the transfer market. If it stopped there I’d be impressed, but there appears to be a couple more.
I really hope Olsen is replaced. Just have this nagging feeling a special cup run will be ended by his lack of quality.m
UTV
Agree completely about the need for a high quality reserve ‘keeper.
Also I still see us needing at least a back-up to Cash, now that Young has gone.
I can see multiple factors playing into his joining Villa;
– He knows Emery from PSG
– We have 2 other French internationals, which will ease his transition to new country/league
– He seemed determined to come to the EPL, but how many people can afford his transfer fee that genuinely need him?
But, I still see the nerves in comparing to Bailey, who is one of my lease favourite Villa players, because he promised so much, yet delivers so little. I also don’t think he fits the Emery mold, who seems to prefer players who work for the team, where I see Bailey mostly working for himself and miss too many opportunities to bring others into play.
If we’re after Doku as well, then we have cause to be excited, but I always feel like attack is the hardest position to gel on the pitch and it remains to be seen if these additions upset the balance in midfield.
I think that where Diaby is going to be really useful is when we get penned into the defensive third by some of the better teams. He’s lightning fast and should be able to move us up the pitch quickly. And he scores goals.
Good shout. Emery loves a fast transition. And indeed, this bloke will provide that.
Add in that his crossing is excellent and he can score for himself and it’s all gravy!
According to B’ham Live ( I kknnooww….) we have been ‘after’ Diaby for two years – i.e. well before Emery was even on the horizon.
Interesting (if true).
Good article Alfie.
Diaby looks like a really class signing so well done Emery and all the Villa team for pulling it off.
I did read an interesting article that suggests Bailey is a much better player when playing alongside a strong attacking line up or so his stats would suggest.
Of course he played alongside Diaby at Leverkusen so knows him well.
It seems NSWE have really stepped up a gear.
UTMV
Unbelievable Geoff!
A million sites are reporting this as a done deal.
Yet not one has said he’s signed.
But wasn’t that the case a few weeks ago with Torres as well? – a long gap between reports that the deal had been ‘done’ and the player actually announced as ‘signed’ ?
It is about insurance. Boring yes, but with megabucks prices comes more scrutiny. TBH I think Villa have a recent chequered past. Remember we signed Wesley with one leg 3″ longer than the other, it was reported: then he suffered a long injury. So a player puts pen to paper only after his medical report is sent to the insurance company’s special team and they OK the insurers to grant cover.
Of course the media shout Signed as soon as the clubs, player (and WAG) and the scalpers agree the money, but a responsible club says so after the ink dries and the player holds up his shirt # to the presser.
Yep, that’s my problem. The deal ain’t done at all until he’s in the shirt.
It’s also why I tend to treat rumours with utter disdain.
Even when they’ve signed, it doesn’t always mean anything.
David Unsworth springs to mind lol.
This is my thoughts Badger, an agreement made between player and club but as Villa are on tour with bear in mind doctors and his staff also with them Diaby will meet the full squad at Villa Park. I’m pretty sure deal done and another in the making, Im over the moon that the club back on track in management and business wise, we are the club that footballer’s will want to be part of, Happy days are here again with foreign game to watch. Utv .
Jeremy Doku from Rennes?
Thoughts??? (Apart from that it’s going to be a very interesting season 23/24).
Rennes had a good season and finished in the top 4. I saw them beat PSG 2-0 in Paris and Doku played well. Only problem is that he and Diaby both play on the right but, from what I’ve read, he’s quite happy to play on the left too. He incredibly quick and he can dribble too. I’d imagine that having Doku left and Diaby right would scare the pants off most defenses.
That sounds sexy…
I did wonder about your pen name. Whatever turns you on….
Ha!!! Who was it that created the idea of ‘Sexy Football’? Ruud Hullitt???
Stunning confirmation yesterday!!!
Diaby signs and it’s official! UTMV!
And he’s flown out to the good ‘ole US of A so hopefully will see him playing in one of the three games.
Now do I stay up for tomorrow nights 12 midnight kick off?
I think that they’re showing the whole game on Sky at 9pm tomorrow (Monday)
Diaby signed his contract left-handed. An unusual attribute for a right-winger – I wonder if he is two-footed?
Assume he is OLL as, according to Emery, he’s comfortable playing on either wing and can also play as a 10. Would that mean, in extremis, he could play as a false 9 – whatever that actually means!
Football jargon has risen to new levels – it was so much easier in the ‘old’ days 🙂
Stadium price comparison. $63 for seat tickets in Philadelphia is similar to UK, but parking at the stadium is $60. Ouch.
Off topic you all has anyone heard when the new away kit is out it’s so late
Half Time 2-2. Villa brilliant at the front but increasingly sloppy playing the ball around at the back. Buendia set up the first goal for Ollie and scored the second with a firm shot when the Barcodes were expecting a cross.
I think opponents learn to read the body language and get better at challenging. Kamara caught for the Toon leveller and the high line was breached for their first goal.
We just broke the transfer record to sign a right winger, but his 18 year old stand-in Philogene really impressed in that half.
Having said that it is definitely exhibition stuff from both teams.
FT 3-3. A “customers’ game” as confirmed by the substitutions. Villa bringing on all the young players they had in the party including the 17 Year old Kellyman. Mings confirmed in a pitch side interview that the American crowd had come to be entertained with goals, and they were. Buendia put Villa in front after the Toon keeper parried a Kellyman shot to him. Then Olsen reciprocated with a similar error.
A couple of goals down to goalkeeping error from what I seen OLL but as you’ve said the American crowd was entertained, good to see them youngsters play.
Rumoured – Sanson to Nice very shortly on a loan deal with an option to buy.
Good game to watch last night in all fairness. There was obviously nothing to play for but some of those passing moves mainly in the 1st half with our stronger 11 was joyous to watch and you can really see the players moulding to Emery style and are all on the same wavelength. I was similarly impressed with Philogene. The way I see it, he is a younger homegrown version of Traore so might as well get Traore out of the club and have this guy on the bench from now on, makes perfect sense particularly financially. A few kids looked good last night but the other youngster that shone for me in particular was Revan at LB. He looked strong and quick. Just like my reason above, Digne should now be sold and have Revan take his place. With Nakamba gone, If we can get rid of Sanson (nearly gone) Coutinho, Digne, Traore. That would massively help balance the books and allow us to sign one or two more top players. Plus, a reserve goalie is a must! Looking forward to the Fulham game now.
Agree Adam about Revan and Philogene.
Interested to see Cash playing a full 90 mins which reinforces the general view that we don’t have another right full back. This has to be addressed before the close of the window and with Young being released one has to believe they have someone lined up to come in?
We also need another experienced striker to back up Watkins plus, as you say, a better quality number 2 between the sticks. I note we’re being linked with Oxlade-Chamberlain (on a free) – not sure what to make of that but it seems (according to reports) that we’ve made him an offer.
Emery has cleared up the absence of Traore and Duran – both are injured and Dendonker hasn’t traveled as his wife has just given birth.
Sad news about Trevor Francis.
RIP Trevor.
Long ago, when Small Heath actually had a team, Francis and Latchford were a pairing to be feared, one a silky footballer the other a battering ram.
Still miss the intensity of those derbies, win and the year long bragging rights were as good as winning a cup.
RIP Trevor
Sad news indeed. RIP Trevor Francis
I really don’t know what to make of this.
According to reports coming out of Italy, Inter Milan have offered €15m for Martinez. Are they taking the p*ss?
I just read that Hitch. Is it April fools day? €15m x 5 and maybe they will be closer to what he’s worth. The best goalkeeper in world football officially! A World Cup winner! They are definitely taking the p***!
I really hope they told them to politely go away and never come back.
If we put Emi up for auction in the Bull Ring like that butcher’s shop used to do, I don’t think the Auctioneer would start at £15M let alone €15M. What would it cost us to replace him, and with whom? Nobody whose present club is selling, that is for sure. The correct response is silence. Then if prompted the catchphrase of JPM.
RIP Trevor Francis! A fantastic player and will always be remembered for being the first million pound player and also for scoring the winning goal in a European cup final.
Its such a ridiculous offer thats its possible. Does he have a get out at 15 mill in his contract. Lots of other clubs have been interested but none have made offers. Just my crazy thinking and I hope I am wrong.
If he has mark it down to Purslow but I doubt it – he signed a new five year contract last year I think.
The reports say Villa have rejected it but Milan will come back with a better offer.
I suggest it will have to be a lot better – frankly I don’t think they can afford him!