Sunderland’s ambitious links to Moussa Diaby appear to have reached a dead end, with the former Aston Villa star now reportedly on the verge of joining Inter Milan instead of returning to English football.
The Diaby Situation: Why the Deal Collapsed
Intermediaries reportedly shopped the Al Ittihad winger to several Premier League and high-flying clubs, including Sunderland, Tottenham, and West Ham. While the 26-year-old’s pedigree—built alongside stars like Karim Benzema—made him a fascinating prospect for the Black Cats, the move never progressed beyond the inquiry stage.
The primary hurdle was a prohibitive tax penalty. Because Diaby has been in Saudi Arabia for less than two years, a mid-season return to the UK would have triggered a massive tax liability on his overseas earnings—a financial trap that has also stalled a potential return for Ivan Toney. Once these costs became clear, Diaby’s camp pivoted toward Serie A, effectively ending any chance of a move to the Stadium of Light.
What Else Is Happening in Wearside?
With Diaby off the table, Sunderland’s recruitment team is juggling several other high-stakes targets as the deadline approaches:
- The Battle for Ilan Kebbal: Sunderland have been keeping close tabs on Paris FC winger Ilan Kebbal. However, they face stiff competition from Ipswich Town, who are reportedly preparing a significant bid to hijack the 27-year-old’s signature.
- Defensive Reinforcements: Following the exit of Arthur Masuaku, Régis Le Bris is in the market for a reliable left-back. The club is currently tracking Antonino Gallo from Lecce. The 26-year-old Italian is a seasoned Serie A performer with over 170 appearances, but Sunderland will have to fend off interest from Celtic to land him.
Transfer Summary at a Glance
| Player | Position | Status | Competitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moussa Diaby | Winger | Unlikely (Joining Inter) | Tottenham, West Ham |
| Ilan Kebbal | Winger | Target | Ipswich Town |
| Antonino Gallo | Left-back | Target |
