July 31 – It has been a quiet week for the major European leagues as Saudi player investment takes centre stage in the transfer market once again.
Moving away from the previous trend of signing older, high-profile players, PIF-owned Al Ittihad have secured the signature of 25-year-old French winger Moussa Diaby for €60 million, just 12 months after the player joined Aston Villa.
The player endured a mixed season in the Premier League, scoring six and assisting eight as Villa broke into the top four for the first time in decades. The Frenchman played almost 2,200 minutes as a bit-part player for Aston Villa, with Jamaican Leon Bailey proving to be Emery’s preferred option on the right as the season drew to a close.
Valued at €55 million by Transfermarkt, the move works for every party: Aston Villa get a good fee, Al Ittihad get a young star and Diaby gets a significantly improved contract.
Diaby becomes the second most expensive transfer of the window thus far, edged out by Leny Yoro’s €62 million move to Manchester United.
Switching to the Premier League, Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has finally completed his transfer to Arsenal for a fee of €45 million. The highly-rated 22-year-old agreed personal terms with Arteta’s side weeks ago – it was just a matter of agreeing a fee with Bologna.
Spain star Robin Le Normand will play for Atletico Madrid next season after completing a €34.5 million switch from Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old played a major role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, starting every knockout game in the heart of defence.
The player will be a good fit for Simeone’s stubborn defensive setup after putting up leading numbers all of last season. Atletico are also prioritising moves further up the pitch, with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher and Man City striker Julian Alvarez both admired by the club.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1726541913labto1726541913ofdlr1726541913owedi1726541913sni@g1726541913niwe.1726541913yrrah1726541913