Inter Milan have agreed personal terms with Moussa Diaby, pushing hard to bring the speedy winger back to Europe on a loan from Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman has given his yes to the move, and coach Cristian Chivu has signed off on it too. Now everything hinges on the Saudi club saying okay.
Talks picked up serious pace in the last couple of days. Reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano and Gianluca Di Marzio report that Inter want a straight loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy set at around €35 million.
Diaby, who only joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 after a big-money switch from Aston Villa, seems keen to return to top-level European football sooner than expected.
The 25-year-old exploded onto the scene at Bayer Leverkusen, where his blistering pace and direct running terrorized defenses. He helped them win the Bundesliga and cup double before moving to Villa for one season.
The Premier League spell showed flashes of brilliance, but the massive offer from Saudi Arabia – reportedly worth over €60 million in total – proved too good to turn down at the time. Life in the Pro League hasn’t gone quite as planned, though. Minutes have been harder to come by, and Diaby has spoken in the past about missing the intensity of European nights.
That’s where Inter come in. Sitting strong in Serie A and competing on multiple fronts, they need more options out wide. Injuries and form dips have exposed a lack of depth in attack, and Diaby’s style fits what Chivu wants.
The Romanian boss, who took over the reins and brought back the classic 3-5-2 formation, likes wing-backs who can stretch teams. Diaby could slot in as a wide forward or even push higher, giving Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram another dangerous partner upfront.
Chivu’s approval carries weight. The former Inter defender knows the club inside out from his playing days and his time coaching the youth setup. Stepping up to the senior job, he’s wasted no time putting his stamp on things. Bringing in someone like Diaby shows ambition – a player with proven quality in big leagues who still has his best years ahead.
Al-Ittihad hold all the cards right now. They splashed serious cash less than two years ago and might not want to let him go cheaply or without guarantees. But if Diaby has his heart set on the move, clubs often find a way. Inter aren’t flush with cash like some rivals, so the loan structure makes perfect sense. No huge upfront fee, just cover his wages and keep the option open for summer if he shines.
Supporters are buzzing about this one. Online forums and social media fill with excitement over what Diaby could add – that raw speed to break lines, one-on-one dribbling, and goals from nowhere. Some worry about adapting mid-season or whether the Saudi experience has slowed him down. But most see it as a low-risk shot at a high-reward talent.
This isn’t Inter’s only irons in the fire this window. They’ve looked at other wingers and midfielders, but Diaby jumped to the front after positive early contact. Club bosses like Beppe Marotta know how to work these late deals, pulling strings right up to deadline day.
If Al-Ittihad give the green light, expect Diaby in Milan soon. Medical, photos, the usual routine. He could even be available for upcoming league games or cup ties. Chivu will hope his new man hits the ground running, adding the spark that turns good results into great ones.
European football moves fast, and players often regret big-money moves away from it. Diaby looks ready to write a new chapter back where the spotlight burns brightest. Inter fans would welcome that with open arms.
For now, the wait is on Saudi approval. When these kinds of talks reach this stage – player agreed, coach on board, terms sorted – they usually get done. Another twist in a busy January window.
