Over the years, Paris Saint-Germain has seen various talents from their youth academy leave for greener pastures. Some disappear, and then there are others, like Moussa Diaby, that thrive.
Diaby left PSG for Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, where the Frenchman made 172 appearances in all competitions. The 24-year-old scored 49 goals and registered 48 assists during his time with the Bundesliga side.
Then, this summer, Diaby was able to parlay his success in Germany to a move to the Premier League. The forward joined Aston Villa in July for a fee of around €40 million (£34.6 million) plus add-ons. Diaby has registered two goals and two assists in seven appearances for the English club.
Furthermore, the Paris native recently spoke with Onze Mondial and was asked whether he ever considers returning to his hometown club.
“It’s the club from the capital, the city where I come from. PSG was a good adventure for me,” Diaby told the French media outlet. “For the development of my career and my progression, I was obliged to leave. By staying at PSG, I would have had less playing time. PSG will remain PSG.
“Often, I am told that the supporters are thinking about my return. It’s nice. That means I haven’t been forgotten … The supporters know that I was trained in this club … It also means I’m doing good things. If I hadn’t been good, no one would have thought about my return. It’s fun to read and know … In any case, PSG will remain in my heart for life.”
PSG is taking a different approach to this new project. The capital club secured top French talent this summer with Lucas Hernandez, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembélé.
Additionally, the capital club is allowing the jewel from their youth academy in Warren Zaïre-Emery to have starting minutes and flourish despite being 17 years old.
Diaby is under contract until 2028. Perhaps down the road, PSG could pursue their former youth product. However, for now, he likely is keen on establishing himself as a top player for Aston Villa and the Premier League.