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Sunderland reached an agreement with Moussa Diaby but the deal fell through

11 August 2026·4 min read·Nieves Ruiz
Sunderland reached an agreement with Moussa Diaby but the deal fell through

Foot Mercato report: Sunderland and Al-Ittihad have reached an agreement for Moussa Diaby in this transfer window, but his return home to the Premier League has been ruled out due to work permit issues.

Sunderland reached an agreement with Moussa Diaby but the deal fell through

By Sports.

Context

Moussa Diaby is a well-known player with Premier League experience, having played for Aston Villa before moving to Al-Ittihad. His attacking ability and past league successes have highlighted his value in the transfer market, prompting interest from various European clubs.

Why it matters

The breakdown of the deal between Sunderland and Moussa Diaby highlights the challenges in the transfer market, especially with work permit requirements for players returning to the Premier League. For Sunderland, the signing of Diaby will hopefully have given new impetus to their attack, while for Diaby, it is an opportunity to once again venture into the high level of Premier League football.

Key Points

  • Sunderland reached an agreement with Moussa Diaby but the deal fell through.
  • Sunderland reportedly reached a deal with Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad, but the move stalled when it emerged the player could not meet the requirements for a work permit.
  • Sunderland agreed deal to sign Moussa Diaby before work permit collapse - Yahoo Sports.
According to a report by Foot Mercato, Sunderland and Al-Ittihad have reached an agreement for the acquisition of Moussa Diaby (27) during the summer transfer window. However, the matter fell through after it emerged that the French international could not meet the work permit requirements needed to return to the Premier League. Diaby is not new to the English top flight — he played for Aston Villa before moving to Al-Ittihad last season. Before his departure from Villa Park, Diaby made 38 appearances in the Premier League and scored 6 goals. It was also reported that his move from Aston Villa to Al-Ittihad was around €60m. The collapse of the Sunderland deal is clearly a huge setback for both team and player. For Sunderland, signing Diaby will add more dynamism to their attack; for Diaby, it will be a way to return to the intense competition in England. However, according to the report, the process of obtaining permission to work in the UK turned out to be unsuccessful and the two teams were forced to stop negotiations.
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Despite the delay in his return to the Premier League, it is said that Diaby has not lost interest. Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are said to be interested in the services of the 27-year-old player, according to Foot Mercato. Diaby's future will remain open as he looks for another route to move in this season of transfers. It is important to note that this information is from Foot Mercato—there has been no official confirmation from Sunderland, Al-Ittihad, or the player himself regarding the details of the conversation and the specific reason why the work permit requirements were not met. Without a formal statement, the exact status of the negotiations remains speculative. For followers of the Premier League and the teams mentioned, this is another reminder that transfers are not only a matter of money and club agreements, but also of legal and administrative conditions such as work permits. Stay tuned for the next news in case there is an official statement or new interest from European clubs for Diaby.

What's next

Now that Diaby's move to Sunderland has fallen through, the 27-year-old is looking at other options, particularly interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan. These teams can provide more suitable opportunities for his development as a player, especially in leagues like the Bundesliga and Serie A, where he can get more playing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Moussa Diaby?

Moussa Diaby is a 27-year-old French international football player.

Where did Moussa Diaby play before Sunderland?

Before Sunderland, Moussa Diaby played for Aston Villa and Al-Ittihad.

Why didn't Diaby's deal with Sunderland go through?

The deal fell through because Diaby did not meet the work permit requirements needed to return to the Premier League.

What is the status of Diaby's deal with Sunderland?

Diaby's deal with Sunderland collapsed and did not go through.

< h3>What clubs are interested in Moussa Diaby?

Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are interested in the services of Moussa Diaby.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

Who is Moussa Diaby?
Moussa Diaby is a 27-year-old French international football player.
Where did Moussa Diaby play before Sunderland?
Before Sunderland, Moussa Diaby played for Aston Villa and Al-Ittihad.
Why didn't Diaby's Sunderland deal go through?
The deal fell through as Diaby did not meet the work permit requirements needed to return to the Premier League.
What is the status of Diaby's deal at Sunderland?
Diaby's deal with Sunderland fell through and did not go through.
What clubs are interested in Moussa Diaby?
Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are interested in the services of Moussa Diaby.
Who is Moussa Diaby in this story?
Moussa Diaby is the main player involved in this transfer rumor update.
What is the player's current situation?
The article discusses Moussa Diaby's situation based on the latest reporting.
TeamsPremier LeagueBundesligaSunderlandAl-IttihadAston VillaBayer LeverkusenInter MilanMoussa Diaby

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