Al-Nassr want to sign 24-year-old Premier League star to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in attack as Sadio Mane replacement: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr reportedly want to sign Aston Villa star Moussa Diaby as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane this summer. However, it is likely to cost them a big fee to sign the Frenchman.
Mane moved to Saudi Arabia last summer, joining Al Nassr, after a disappointing spell at Bayern Munich. His stay in the league, or at least with the Knights of Njad, could be cut short though. As per Daily Mail (via Sport Bible), the club are willing to listen to offers for the Senegalese attacker this summer.
To replace Sadio Mane, they have identified Moussa Diaby as a potential option. The French winger joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and registered 10 goals and nine assists in 54 games across competitions. His contract with Villa runs until 2028.
The aforementioned report stated that he is likely to cost a huge fee if Al Nassr attempt to sign him as Cristiano Ronaldo's partner in attack. The report stated:
“With Diaby signing a deal until 2028 and a key member of Villa's side, it will cost Al-Nassr a hefty fee if they want to prise the forward away from Villa Park. He is seen as a key member of Unai Emery's side in the Aston Villa season that saw them finish fourth in the Premier League last season.”
Saudi Pro League sides have already been involved in big-money transfers so they could make it happen.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane's numbers for Al Nassr last season
The report that suggests Al Nassr are open to looking for offers for Sadio Mane might come as a surprise to many. The Senegalese forward had a decent 2023-24 season, scoring 19 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 games across competitions.
He shared the pitch 41 times with Cristiano Ronaldo and the duo combined for six goals. The Portuguese himself had a stellar season though, scoring 44 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 games across competitions. He also broke the record for most goals scored in a single Saudi Pro League season with 35 goals.
However, the duo failed to help Al Nassr win a trophy. They finished second in the league and lost in the King Cup of Champions final against Al Hilal on penalties. They were also eliminated from the AFC Champions League on penalties, losing against Al Ain in the quarter-finals.