Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby is set to complete a move to Al-Ittihad for approximately £50.4m.
The 25-year-old has traveled to Saudi Arabia for a medical and to finalize the deal after spending just one season at Villa Park.
Diaby joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for a club-record fee, reportedly £51.9m, last summer. However, manager Unai Emery has decided to cash in on the France international.
This decision follows the club’s re-signing of Jaden Philogene from Hull for around £13.5m. Villa believes the academy graduate can make a significant impact on his return.
Diaby made 54 appearances for Villa, scoring 10 goals, and played a key role in helping the team finish fourth in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Champions League.
Villa is reshaping its squad ahead of the new season. Last month, they sold midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42.4m.
The club has signed Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, as well as left-back Ian Maatsen from Chelsea for £35m and winger Lewis Dobbin from Everton for around £9m.
On Tuesday, Villa also completed the £50m signing of Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.