Bayer Leverkusen Reach Diaby Agreement and Reject Aston Villa’s Approach for Kofane

• Bayer Leverkusen and Al-Ittihad have reached a full verbal agreement worth around €30m for Moussa Diaby
• Diaby has agreed to sign a five-year contract through to June 2031, with his medical to follow
• Aston Villa have enquired about Christian Kofane, but Bayer Leverkusen have no plans to sell the 20-year-old striker

Diaby Edges Closer to Leverkusen Return

Bayer Leverkusen’s pursuit of Moussa Diaby has moved into an advanced stage, with Sky Germany and Kicker reporting that the Bundesliga club have reached a breakthrough in talks with Al-Ittihad. The two clubs have settled on a full verbal agreement worth around €30m.

Diaby has accepted a five-year deal that would run through to June 2031, and a medical is still to follow. The 27-year-old is already familiar with Leverkusen, having represented the club from 2019 to 2023 before joining Aston Villa in the English Premier League for €55m.

His stay at Villa Park lasted a single season before he moved to Al-Ittihad, where he spent the last two seasons. During his time with the Saudi Pro League side, Diaby made 56 league appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 21 assists.

Diaby’s first spell at Leverkusen delivered a far greater attacking return: 49 goals and 47 assists in 172 games. His potential comeback is regarded as an important boost for a side once again rebuilding its squad under new head coach Carles Martínez Novell.

🚨 Aston Villa have contacted Bayer Leverkusen directly over a move for striker Christian Kofane.

Bayer Leverkusen do not want to sell the 20-year-old despite the approach from Villa.

Kofane is a contingency option for Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins pushes for a move to Al-Hilal.… pic.twitter.com/zNq2lAn4m1

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 26, 2026

Aston Villa Ask About Kofane, but Leverkusen Refuse to Sell

While Leverkusen are working to bring Diaby back, they are also resisting interest in another forward. Aston Villa have approached Christian Kofane, but Bayer Leverkusen have no intention of allowing the 20-year-old striker to leave before the transfer window closes.

The possibility of Ollie Watkins leaving for Al Hilal has made another centre-forward a potential priority for the Premier League club. For Die Werkself, however, the response is firm: Kofane is not for sale.

That position reflects how highly Leverkusen value the Cameroon international. Kofane only joined the German club in July 2025 from Albacete, signing a contract through 2029 after a breakthrough half-season in Spain. Before moving to the Bundesliga at just 18, he had scored eight goals in 20 appearances for Albacete in the Segunda División.

Kofane’s Profile Remains Central to Leverkusen’s Plans

Kofane’s output in Germany has already shown why Leverkusen invested in him. He made 29 Bundesliga appearances, scoring five goals and adding four assists, while also playing 11 times in the Champions League. Across all competitions, he ended the campaign with seven goals and six assists.

Those figures are not spectacular for a striker, but they are difficult to assess without factoring in his age, role and profile. Kofane was still getting used to top-level football, was often used from the bench and had to compete with more established forwards for minutes.

Leverkusen’s own assessment of Kofane when he arrived highlighted his power, speed, technical ability and assertiveness. That combination gives him a different profile from some of the other forwards in the squad, which is one reason why selling him now would make little sense.

Forward-Line Changes Continue at BayArena

Bayer Leverkusen have already been reshaping their attack throughout the summer. Ernest Poku is leaving for Beşiktaş, Victor Boniface’s future remains under discussion, and the club are still trying to complete Diaby’s return from Al-Ittihad.

Kofane, though, is viewed differently. He is not seen as an expendable squad player whose sale could help ease a numbers issue. Bayer consider him part of the next phase of their attack, and his development remains a priority.

There is also a financial reason for Leverkusen to reject approaches. Kofane is under contract until 2029, leaving the club under no immediate pressure to negotiate. His value could also rise considerably if he makes further progress this season, meaning a sale now could amount to cashing in before the strongest part of his development has even started.

From Aston Villa’s perspective, the interest is understandable. Kofane has already contributed in the Bundesliga and the Champions League despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, and his physical and technical qualities would fit the demands of English football. However, Villa may have chosen the wrong moment to make their enquiry.

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