MAINZ, GERMANY - OCTOBER 17: Moussa Diaby of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in action during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Opel Arena on October 17, 2020 in Mainz, Germany. Cambridge United are allowing a limited number of spectators (1000) to be in attendance as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are eased in Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
According to the Mirror, Manchester United missed out on Moussa Diaby in the summer before eventually signing Amad Diallo. The Leverkusen man was their first choice and the club were willing to pay £45m for him.
Leverkusen, though, blocked any sort of move when his agent tried to discuss a move. They did not want to lose another prized asset after losing the likes of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland. (h/t Mirror)
Moussa Diaby is a 21-year-old French winger who plays for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. A product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, he started out for them in 2009. He spent the next few years progressing through the various age groups.
In 2017, he was promoted to the B side. Within a few months, he was loaned out to Crotone on a short-term deal. He made 2 appearances for the senior side during his time in Italy. On his return, he was moved up to the senior side at PSG.
That season he made 34 appearances while scoring 4 goals and assisting 7. Despite the good form, he was eventually sold to Bayer Leverkusen where he has settled in well. So far he has made 48 appearances for them while scoring 10 goals and assisting another 9 (h/t Transfermarkt).
Diaby has been a regular part of the France youth sides and is currently involved with the U-21’s.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho was no secret as the Red Devils tried to prise away the starlet from Germany. With no deal materialising, the club ended up signing Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri. Diallo is scheduled to join the club in January while Pellistri is currently a part of the reserves.
While they may be talented prospects, they are way too young to be starting regularly. Diaby, who already has 2 seasons of top-flight football for two reputed teams under his belt, looks like a good option for Manchester United to revisit.
Despite being an out and out winger, he has regularly been involved in goals and assists. Though he is a left-winger, he can also play on the opposite flank. He is a tricky customer with his dribbling and pace and can leave defenders confused. Manchester United should surely look to make a move for him in the summer transfer window.
