Portugal Colonial - France winger Diaby joins Saudi's Al-Ittihad

The 25-year-old who began his career with Paris Saint-Germain leaves English club Aston Villa after just one season following his transfer from Leverkusen a year ago.

He played 54 matches for Villa last season, scoring 10 goals and making nine assists.

In a statement on Wednesday, Al-Ittihad said Diaby was joining on a five-year contract, adding that he has arrived in the club's training camp in Spain, without mentioning the value of the deal.

"He will be a significant asset to the team," Al-Ittihad CEO Domingos Oliveira said in a statement.

The announcement comes nearly two weeks after former France manager Blanc was announced as the next coach of Al-Ittihad, reuniting with Benzema who was in his Euro 2012 squad.

The Al-Ittihad squad also includes N'Golo Kante, a starter in the France team that reached the last four at the current Euros, and former Monaco and Liverpool Brazilian Fabinho.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the top oil exporter's sovereign wealth vehicle, took a majority stake in Saudi clubs Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad last year.

The four Pro League clubs have signed superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar on eye-watering contracts.

Saudi clubs, led by the four owned by PIF, spent $957 million in last year's summer transfer window, second only to the English Premier League.

P.Queiroz--PC