Musa Diaby fuels Al-Ittihad exit speculation with Bayer Leverkusen message

Musa Diaby has intensified speculation that he could leave Al-Ittihad this summer after sending a one-word message to Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba on Instagram.

The France winger replied “Captain” to an emotional post from Tapsoba, who had shared his excitement at wearing the captain’s armband for Bayer Leverkusen’s first competitive match of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen are due to face Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the German Cup on Saturday, with Tapsoba expected to lead the side.

Diaby’s brief response was followed by a message from Bayer Leverkusen’s official account, which posted an eyes emoji widely associated with anticipation or close attention. The exchange has added to reports that the 26-year-old is considering a return to the German club during the current summer transfer window.

Reports have suggested that Diaby is close to leaving Al-Ittihad to rejoin Bayer Leverkusen, where he previously played before moving to Aston Villa.

Diaby spent three years with Bayer Leverkusen between 2020 and 2023 and shared the dressing room with Tapsoba during that period. He left the German club for Aston Villa before joining Al-Ittihad in 2024.

Neither Diaby’s short reply nor the response from Bayer Leverkusen formally confirms that a transfer is imminent. However, the public interaction between the winger and his former team-mate has fuelled further discussion about his future.

Diaby made a strong contribution to Al-Ittihad after arriving in Saudi Arabia. His performances helped the club secure the domestic double in the season before last, although his level dropped during the previous campaign.

The winger’s future has therefore become one of the issues attracting attention during the summer transfer window, particularly as speculation continues to link him with a return to Bayer Leverkusen.

Diaby’s message came shortly before Bayer Leverkusen’s opening competitive fixture of the new season and focused on Tapsoba’s leadership role rather than directly referring to a possible move. Even so, the timing and the reaction from the German club’s account have been interpreted as signs that a reunion could be under consideration.

Tapsoba’s post had expressed his happiness at being named captain for the match against Wehen Wiesbaden. Diaby responded with only the word “Captain”, but that single-word message was enough to generate renewed debate over whether the France international could soon be back at his former club.