Bayer Leverkusen Nearing Moussa Diaby and Facundo Medina Signings

Bayer Leverkusen are making significant progress on deals to bring Moussa Diaby back to the Bundesliga and sign Olympique Marseille defender Facundo Medina.

Diaby has reportedly reached an agreement with his former club on personal terms. Leverkusen still needs to finalize negotiations with Saudi side Al-Ittihad, but the transfer fee is anticipated to be under €30 million.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen have reportedly reached agreements with both Medina and Marseille. The club is expected to pay an initial €23 million for the Argentina international, with potential bonuses increasing the package to €25 million.

Moussa Diaby's Potential Return

Leverkusen's interest in re-signing Diaby emerged earlier this week. While Benfica and Inter Milan were also reportedly interested, Bayer appears to have moved decisively ahead of their rivals.

Diaby originally joined Leverkusen from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 for approximately €15 million. He developed into one of the Bundesliga's most productive attackers, scoring 49 goals and providing 48 assists in 173 appearances.

His most productive league campaign was in 2021/22, where he contributed 13 goals and 12 assists. Diaby's acceleration, direct running, and ability to play on either flank made him particularly effective in open spaces.

Xabi Alonso later utilized the Frenchman in narrower positions behind the striker, allowing him to combine with Jeremie Frimpong and make runs closer to goal.

Leverkusen sold Diaby to Aston Villa for approximately €55 million in 2023. He moved to Al-Ittihad a year later, but his estimated market value has since declined from a peak of €60 million to €25 million.

A transfer below €30 million would allow Leverkusen to reacquire a player they previously sold for nearly double that amount.

Diaby Could Complete Reconstructed Attack

The potential return of Diaby reflects the ongoing changes to Leverkusen's forward line.

Kerim Alajbegović recently joined Juventus for a guaranteed €30 million fee plus bonuses. Leverkusen sanctioned this transfer despite activating an €8 million buyback clause just weeks prior.

Afonso Moreira is expected to primarily operate from the left, potentially allowing Diaby to play on the right and cut inside. However, the Frenchman can also switch flanks, play behind a center-forward, or feature in a fluid front three.

His existing Bundesliga experience would provide a level of certainty to an attack that includes several developing or unsettled players.

Christian Kofane continues to attract Premier League interest, while Victor Boniface is aiming for a resurgence at Leverkusen following a loan spell at Werder Bremen.

Diaby would arrive without the need for extensive tactical and cultural adaptation typically required of a major summer signing.

Medina Deal Adds Defensive Balance

Leverkusen initially identified Medina as a key option for the left side of their defense. The aggressive left-footed player can operate as a conventional fullback or as a left-sided center-back, offering a profile similar to former Bayer defender Piero Hincapié.

The 27-year-old is under contract with Marseille until 2030. The French club made his transfer permanent from Lens last summer after an initial loan, investing approximately €20 million.

Medina was initially considered a potential successor to Alejandro Grimaldo. Leverkusen ultimately opted for the more attack-minded Miguel Gutiérrez, paying Napoli a guaranteed €26 million with potential bonuses reaching €30 million.

The pursuit of Medina has continued. His arrival alongside Gutiérrez would provide new head coach Carles Martínez with two distinct options.

Gutiérrez offers width, creativity, and attacking output from left-back or wing-back. Medina brings greater defensive aggression, physicality, and the ability to shift inside as part of a back three.

If both transfers are completed, Leverkusen will have committed close to €55 million in base fees for Diaby and Medina. This double move would simultaneously restore a proven source of attacking pace and add an experienced, tactically flexible defender to Martínez’s rebuilt squad.