Moussa Diaby Moves to Al-Ittihad in $65 Million Deal

Aston Villa has sold France winger Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for 50 million pounds ($65 million). Diaby, 25, joined Villa last year and scored 10 goals in 54 appearances. He will reunite with Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante at his new club.

Aston Villa has confirmed the sale of France winger Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for approximately 50 million pounds ($65 million).

Diaby, 25, joined Villa Park last summer for a reported club-record fee and scored 10 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions, aiding Unai Emery's side to qualify for the Champions League.

Having previously spent four years at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, Diaby will now reunite with compatriots Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante, along with ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho at Al-Ittihad, who are looking to improve on last season's fifth-place finish under head coach Laurent Blanc. On the same day, Sunderland announced the signing of Colombia international Ian Poveda on a free transfer. AP KHS KHS

(With inputs from agencies.)