Bayer Leverkusen confirm signing of teenager Moussa Diaby from PSG
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Moussa Diaby on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old made 34 first-team appearances for the French champions across all competitions last season, starting 13 times.
Diaby signs for Bayer Leverkusen: Five things to know…
- Moussa Diaby came through the academy at PSG, breaking into the first team last summer.
- The 19-year-old played 34 times across all competitions last year.
- But with PSG reportedly looking to raise funds to sign Matthijs de Ligt, Diaby has been allowed to leave.
- The Frenchman joins Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year deal.
- Diaby will wear the no.19 jersey for Bayer Leverkusen.
But with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly looking to raise funds in order to sign Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt – expected to be the most-expensive defender in history – sales will need to be made.
Diaby is the first of potentially a few, joining Leverkusen for a €15m, with the German club’s sporting director Simon Rolfes speaking highly of their new signing.
“Moussa Diaby is an extremely fast, technically strong attacker, whose qualities fit perfectly with our game idea,” he told the club’s official website.
“Moussa is already very far at 19 years old. He had 34 competitive appearances in the past season, a remarkable rate at a top international club like PSG.
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“He is one of the great French talents who find here in Leverkusen the best conditions to develop into an absolute class player.”
Diaby also spoke of his excitement in making the move to Germany, where he will continue in the Champions League next season.
He told Bayer’s website: ” [It is] a great opportunity to get new impulses at a German top club and to further improve myself and my game.
“The move abroad into one of the best and most balanced leagues in Europe is extremely exciting.
“I am very curious about Germany, the special football here and the great stadiums. And of course it’s great to be in the Champions League with Bayer 04 as well.”
Diaby is Leverkusen’s second signing of the summer, joining Kerem Demirbay at the Bay Arena.
Leverkusen becoming an “attractive club” for young players
In signing for Bayer Leverkusen, Diaby looks set to link up with Kai Havertz, one of Germany’s brightest talents. Havertz was in emphatic form for Leverkusen last season, scoring 17 goals and three assists.
And Leverkusen managing director of sport, Rudi Voller, believes the club are becoming an attractive proposition for young stars.
“[The Diaby transfer] means once again that we are a very attractive club for young top players,” he added.
“It is well known that in Leverkusen it is possible to quickly prove at the highest level that, regardless of age, we can trust and transfer responsibility at an early stage, given the right level of performance.
“Moussa Diaby will give us a lot of pleasure with his tremendous speed and technique, I’m sure.”
Moussa Diaby for PSG in Ligue 1 in 2018-19:
• 1,131 minutes
• 6 assists
• 2 goalsPlenty of potential. https://t.co/9eClIxjkVy
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 14, 2019
