Winger Diaby joins Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa

Diaby was Villa's record signing when he joined the club last summer

France winger Moussa Diaby has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old leaves Villa Park just one season after joining on a five-year deal for a club record, reportedly £51.9m, from Bayer Leverkusen last July.

Diaby made 54 Villa appearances, scoring 10 goals, and helped them finish fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League.

"Villans, thank you for everything. It's time to say goodbye," Diaby said on X.

"I've always given my best to help the club and the team, and we've had some great moments that will stay in my memory. We've had a fantastic season, with moments of joy and happiness."

Villa are reshaping their squad before the new season and sold midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.4m last month.

They signed both Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from the Italian club, while left-back Ian Maatsen arrived from Chelsea for £35m and winger Lewis Dobbin from Everton for around £9m.

On Tuesday, Villa completed the £50m signing of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

The club have also re-signed Jaden Philogene from Hull, paying around £13.5m for the English winger, less than 12 months after selling him to the Tigers.