Having seen several of their players move for big money in recent years, Bayer Leverkusen are aware of their place in the football pecking order. The German outfit have become a fine finishing school for talent, but tend to have issues holding onto stars once they reach a certain level. This summer, it is expected that one of their key players in Moussa Diaby will be the next one to move on.
The player has enjoyed a fine season in Germany, and has a deal that runs until 2025. Signing from Paris Saint-Germain, Diaby has developed from an exciting if inconsistent youngster to one of the best players in Germany. A full France international now, too, he has every opportunity to take the next step in his career this summer. And according to comments picked up by Sport.de, the winger is keen to think about taking on a new opportunity this summer.
Speaking to the platform, Diaby was quoted as saying: “Of course I’m thinking about it. But not too much yet. I’m still concentrating on the end of the season.”
That, though, does not sound like the words of a player who can see himself still living in Leverkusen come the autumn of 2022.
Leverkusen looking to squad rebuild amid the transitional season
As is usually the case for Leverkusen, the 2022-23 season might be a transitional one. They currently sit in third spot in Germany and should be a good pick for a UEFA Champions League slot. However, Hoffenheim, Freiburg, and RB Leipzig are all a maximum of four points adrift and each team is picking up some decent form recently. As such, Leverkusen might need to be prepared for numerous sales.
The club has built its image on giving players a UCL opportunity, and moving on their best talent if they do not manage to make it. Diaby himself fits into that category, with 12 goals and 7 assists so far this year in Germany. He has also enjoyed four goals in the UEFA Europa League to go with a pair of assists. He is arguably in the form his career, and could be an ideal pickup for many teams in England.
Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Arsenal are believed to be the most serious about bidding for the player. A fee of around £40m would be expected to be enough, though it would also depend on where the German’s finish in the Bundesliga.
Another Leverkusen name being linked with England – and other clubs in Germany – is that Patrik Schick. The Czech striker has become prolific since arriving in Germany first with RB Leipzig and then with Leverkusen. With Erling Haaland almost certain to move on from Borussia Dortmund, der BVB have been linked with a move for the player come this summer.
Leverkusen, then, could look like a very different team come the end of the summer transfer window. From the sounds of it, though, Diaby will be gone regardless of where they finish in the league.