Bayer Leverkusen Secures Facundo Medina, Moussa Diaby Transfer Faces Inter Milan Challenge

Bayer Leverkusen has finalized the acquisition of Argentine international Facundo Medina from Olympique Marseille. Concurrently, their efforts to re-sign Moussa Diaby to the Bundesliga are encountering increased competition from Inter Milan. Medina, 27, has committed to a long-term contract extending until June 2031.

Leverkusen is reportedly paying Marseille approximately €20 million for the left-footed defender, with potential additional bonuses. Medina's arrival marks another key addition to Leverkusen's summer squad overhaul, following Alejandro Grimaldo's departure to Atlético Madrid.

Medina: Another World Cup Finalist Joins Leverkusen

Medina, who can play as a central defender or on the left, brings a distinct profile to head coach Carles Martinez's squad, differing from the more attack-minded summer signing Miguel Gutiérrez. Medina offers enhanced physicality, defensive assertiveness, and the ability to operate within a back three. He spent five years in French football, first with RC Lens and then Marseille, whom he joined in 2025. The Argentine international also participated in three matches at the recent World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the final defeat to Spain. He now joins compatriot Exequiel Palacios as a Leverkusen player with World Cup final experience, having been instrumental in convincing Medina to make the move by sharing his positive experiences at the club.

"With Facundo Medina, we have secured a highly experienced professional who will immediately become a vital part of our team due to his quality and strong mentality," stated Rolfes. "He is strong in the tackle, assertive, and aggressive. Facundo’s qualities add a significant element to our squad's profile."

Inter Milan Challenges Leverkusen for Moussa Diaby

While the Medina transfer is complete, the pursuit of Diaby has become more complicated. Reports had indicated significant progress on both Medina and Diaby deals, with Diaby reportedly agreeing to personal terms with his former club, leaving Leverkusen to negotiate a transfer fee below €30 million with Al-Ittihad. However, Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio suggests a different scenario, with Inter Milan actively trying to intervene and preparing a new offer to Al-Ittihad. Crucially, Di Marzio also claims that, contrary to other reports, Diaby has not yet accepted Leverkusen's offer, leaving the competition for his signature more open.

Diaby's Return Would Complete Leverkusen's Attacking Overhaul

Diaby remains a highly attractive prospect for Leverkusen due to his proven quality and familiarity with the club. He previously spent four seasons at the BayArena between 2019 and 2023, scoring 49 goals and providing 48 assists in 173 appearances before his transfer to Aston Villa. His potential return would inject much-needed pace and directness into Leverkusen's attack as they continue to reshape their forward line. While Afonso Moreira can operate on the left, Diaby would offer a natural option from the right and could also play centrally behind a striker.