Musa Diaby has added to speculation that he could leave Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window after sending a brief message to Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.
Reports have suggested the France winger is close to departing the Saudi Arabian club in order to return to former side Bayer Leverkusen during the ongoing transfer market.
Diaby appeared to fuel those reports with a comment on Tapsoba’s Instagram account. The Burkina Faso international had posted an emotional message expressing his pride at being named captain of the German club ahead of their first competitive match of the season.
Bayer Leverkusen are due to face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, with Tapsoba set to lead the side after being given the captain’s armband.
Responding to the defender’s post, Diaby wrote a single word: “Captain”.
Bayer Leverkusen’s official account then replied to Diaby with an eyes emoji, suggesting the club was also intrigued by the winger’s message. Neither Diaby nor the club has confirmed that the exchange is connected to a potential transfer.
Diaby and Tapsoba were team-mates at Bayer Leverkusen for three years between 2020 and 2023. Diaby left the club for Aston Villa before moving to Al-Ittihad in 2024.
The 26-year-old made a strong impression during his time in Saudi Arabia and helped Al-Ittihad win the domestic double in the season before last. However, his performances dipped during the previous campaign.
His social media response has therefore prompted renewed discussion about whether he will remain with Al-Ittihad or return to Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Reports of a possible move had already raised questions over his future, although the latest exchange offers no formal confirmation of a transfer.
Diaby’s return to Bayer Leverkusen would represent a reunion with Tapsoba, with whom he spent several seasons at the German club. The pair are now at different stages of their careers, but their public exchange has drawn attention as Bayer Leverkusen prepare for the opening match of their domestic campaign.
For now, Diaby remains an Al-Ittihad player, while speculation continues over whether the short message was simply a note of support for his former team-mate or a hint about a possible move.
