Aston Villa announced on Wednesday that France winger Moussa Diaby has transferred to Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad for an estimated £50 million ($65 million).
Diaby, 25, joined Villa Park just last summer for a reported club-record fee and netted 10 goals in 54 matches across all competitions, aiding Unai Emery’s team in securing Champions League qualification.
Before his stint at Villa, Diaby spent four years in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and had previously played under Emery at Paris Saint-Germain.
In his new role, Diaby will join fellow French players Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, as well as ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
Al Ittihad, led by head coach Laurent Blanc, aims to improve upon their fifth-place finish from last season.
Additionally, on Wednesday, second-tier Sunderland confirmed the acquisition of Colombia international Ian Poveda on a free transfer.
Moussa Diaby’s Saudi transfer confirmed – Aston Villa reveals star headed for Al Ittihad.