Moussa Diaby: Why the Leverkusen winger is an unlikely priority for Madrid and Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:40 CDT
• 3 min read

On the face of things, Moussa Diaby, with nine goals and 11 assists for Bayer Leverkusen, is a logical transfer target for some of Europe’s largest clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Indeed, a report in AS links both teams with a possible €40 million (£34.2m) switch for the France Under-21 international, who would be playing the in the European Under-21 Championship in Hungary and Slovenia now but for a bout of Covid-19.

READ MORE: From Van de Beek to Diallo: Rating all of Man Utd’s 2020/21 signings

While it is logical that both clubs are keeping tabs on him, however, it is unlikely that either has prioritised the Leverkusen winger.

Moussa Diaby 2020/21

Man Utd have already invested in young wingers

Manchester United’s desire for additional quality in the wide areas was evident last summer as they snapped up youngsters Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri.

Diallo, in particular, has hit the ground running. He may not have made his Premier League debut to date, but he has impressed both in the Europa League and in Premier League 2.

At 18 years old, it would not be logical for them to add Diallo to their ranks to provide another barrier for the teenager to cross to get into the first team on a regular basis.

It should be stressed, however, that Man Utd’s transfer policy has been scattergun at times. Indeed, the addition of Donny van de Beek is evidence that they have a track record of signing in the wrong areas.

Diallo, though, seems like an unlikely signing for United – and one that could go the same way as the unfortunate Dutchman before him.

Real Madrid have bigger transfer priorities than Diaby

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have more obvious need for Moussa Diaby.

With Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Sergio Asensio and the seemingly permanently injured Eden Hazard their options in the wide areas, it is clear they need an upgrade. Madrid have typically bought lavishly but poorly in this sector in the recent past.

Zinedine Zidane’s side, however, have prioritised Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland as their big summer signing.  Money is tight at the Bernabeu and capturing one of these players plus another lavish addition like Diaby would need some imaginative accounting.

Perhaps there may be some merit to the links if Real Madrid miss out on both these stars.