The planned signing of Moussa Diaby by Bayer Leverkusen faces further delays. The final contract signature of the French winger is still pending.
The 27-year-old attacker is supposed to return to Bayer 04, having left the club for the Premier League three years ago. Negotiations between the clubs and the player are considered advanced, but the key step onto paper is still missing. Bayer Leverkusen started the new Bundesliga season with a defeat and sits in 13th place with zero points after one match. Xabi Alonso's team lost 1-3 to Bayern Munich and now trails the leaders by three points.
The exact reasons for the delay are not fully known. Final details in the contract still need to be clarified. This does not concern the fundamental agreement for a return, but rather formal aspects and potential bonus payments. Diaby himself is said to be very interested in a return to the 2024 German champions. The delay comes at a time when Leverkusen is dealing with personnel shortages. Alongside Kennet Eichhorn and Martin Terrier, Montrell Culbreath is also currently sidelined.
Should the transfer eventually be completed, Diaby would occupy an offensive position where Leverkusen seeks reinforcement after several departures. His experience in the Bundesliga and Champions League would be a valuable addition. Last season, Bayer 04 scored two goals and conceded three, resulting in a negative goal difference of minus one. The team needs to make its attack more effective, especially ahead of the important away match at Borussia Dortmund on November 28, 2026. This fixture is listed as the next highlight on the fixtures page.
The ongoing uncertainty ties up resources in the sporting directorate. The club has alternative targets in mind but cannot act while the Diaby deal remains in limbo. The transfer window is not yet closed, but any delay reduces time for potential alternatives. Leverkusen's squad overview currently shows several open wing positions that need filling. A swift conclusion would be important for planning security.
The next opportunity to see Diaby in a Bayer shirt would theoretically be the Bundesliga away match in Dortmund at the end of November. By then, however, the contract must be signed and the player officially presented. The officials at Bayer Leverkusen continue to work on a quick solution to finally seal the signing of the 27-year-old.
