Moussa Diaby outlines his delight after completing move to Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee… as the French forward insists he is ‘very proud’ to join the club

Moussa Diaby has expressed his delight after completing a move to Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen. 

The French forward joined Unai Emery’s side from the German outfit for what is thought to be a club record fee after an impressive four years in the Bundesliga.

Having broken through at PSG, before moving on due to a lack of gametime, Diaby is inherently talented, demonstrated by his 10 caps for France.

He enjoyed a brilliant campaign last year in Germany, scoring 14 goals and adding 11 assists in all competitions as he helped to spearhead Leverkusen’s turnaround under Xabi Alonso. 

Mail Sport reported how Diaby was identified as a major target for Villa this summer and the club fought off strong competition from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for his signature.

Diaby, 24, provided 97 goal contributions in 172 games for Leverkusen after joining from PSG

The 24-year-old – who provided 97 goal contributions in 172 games for Leverkusen – had also been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United. 

While the transfer fee is undisclosed, it is believed to be more than £50m – as reported by Mail Sport earlier this month.

This would surpass the £33m club record fee they paid for Emi Buendia when signing the Argentine from Norwich in 2021.

And after his transfer was confirmed on Saturday evening, Diaby could barely hide his delight at moving to the Premier League.

He tweeted: ‘Very proud to start a new chapter and join @AVFCOfficial. Up the Villa.’ 

He becomes Unai Emery’s (left) third signing of what is turning out to be a busy summer 

The French star has already joined up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of the USA.

He becomes Emery’s third signing of the summer after they already brought in defender Pau Torres from Villarreal for £33m and Youri Tielemans on a free after he left Leicester.

It promises to be a big season for Villa after the Spanish coach made a stunning impact at the club after replacing Steven Gerrard last November, guiding them to the Europa Conference League.

It will be the first time in 13 years they have competed in European football. 

They begin their Premier League campaign with a tough trip to Newcastle on Saturday August 12.