Owen Hargreaves Claims Unai Emery Will Never Trust £39m Aston Villa Star Again After Latest Setback…..

*April 26, 2025 | Birmingham, England*

In a striking commentary that has captured the attention of Aston Villa fans and pundits alike, former Manchester United and England midfielder **Owen Hargreaves** has suggested that manager **Unai Emery** may never fully trust **Moussa Diaby** again, following a series of disappointing performances and off-field issues.

Diaby, who arrived at Villa Park in the summer of 2023 for a club-record fee of **£39 million** from Bayer Leverkusen, was expected to be a transformational signing. But two seasons in, his career at Villa has been anything but smooth — and according to Hargreaves, recent events have likely sealed his fate under Emery’s strict regime.

### **The Turning Point**

Hargreaves’ comments came during a broadcast on *Premier League Today*, where he was asked about Aston Villa’s future under Emery and the struggles of certain high-profile players.

> “When you spend £39 million on a player like Diaby, you expect consistency, professionalism, and an impact in big moments,” Hargreaves said. “Unfortunately, Moussa has fallen short on all three counts.

>

> From everything I’ve heard, including from people inside the club, Emery values trust above all. Once that trust is broken, it’s almost impossible to get back — and I think, sadly for Moussa, that’s where we are.”

The “breaking of trust” that Hargreaves referenced is believed to stem not only from Diaby’s patchy on-field displays but also concerns over his attitude and commitment behind the scenes.

Sources close to the club suggest that Diaby was involved in several late arrivals to team meetings, lapses in training standards, and disagreements over tactical roles — a stark contrast to the disciplined, detail-oriented culture Emery has sought to instill at Villa Park.

### **Disappointment After a Bright Start**

When Diaby first joined Villa, expectations were sky-high. His pace, dribbling skills, and sharp finishing had lit up the Bundesliga, and his early appearances in claret and blue seemed to justify the investment. He scored three goals in his first six Premier League matches and quickly became a fan favorite.

However, as the seasons wore on, his influence waned. Injuries disrupted his rhythm, and when he was fit, he often looked out of sync with Emery’s tactical system, particularly in big matches against top-six opponents.

This season, Diaby has managed just 4 goals and 2 assists in 27 league appearances — a disappointing return for a player brought in to be a game-changer.

> “When you’re fighting for Champions League spots, you need your big players to deliver. Emery gave Diaby chance after chance, but he simply didn’t take them,” Hargreaves added.

### **Unai Emery’s Stance**

Publicly, Unai Emery has remained diplomatic when discussing Diaby. After a recent match in which Diaby was substituted at halftime, Emery said:

> “We believe in all our players, but in football, every day is a test. We work to improve, but performance speaks loudest.”

Privately, however, insiders report that Emery has already begun planning for a future without Diaby as a core piece of his squad. The Spaniard is said to be pushing the Villa board to prioritize a new winger in the summer transfer market, signaling that Diaby could be moved on if a suitable offer comes in.

### **What’s Next for Moussa Diaby?**

If Hargreaves’ assessment proves correct, Diaby faces an uncertain future. At just 25 years old, he still has the talent to rebuild his career, but he may need to do so away from Villa Park.

Several clubs in Ligue 1 are reportedly monitoring his situation, with former side Paris Saint-Germain loosely linked with a reunion. Other potential suitors include Bundesliga clubs, where Diaby’s reputation remains strong.

A summer transfer — either on loan or a permanent deal — seems increasingly likely, especially as Aston Villa prepares for another campaign balancing Premier League ambitions with European competition.

### **Fan Reaction**

Villa fans have been divided in their opinions about Diaby’s struggles. Some remain hopeful that he can turn things around with a strong preseason, but many agree with Hargreaves’ harsh assessment.

> “Talent means nothing without attitude,” wrote one fan on a popular Villa forum.

> “If Emery can’t trust him, it’s time to move on.”

Another added:

> “£39m is a huge fee for someone who hasn’t delivered. I love Diaby’s potential, but potential doesn’t win matches. Emery knows what he’s doing.”

### **Conclusion**

The story of Moussa Diaby at Aston Villa now looks like one of **unfulfilled promise**, and Owen Hargreaves’ blunt analysis may have simply put into words what many within the club already fear.

Unless something dramatic changes, it appears that Diaby’s days under Unai Emery are numbered — a sobering reminder that in elite football, **trust is earned daily, and lost in a moment**.

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*Stay tuned for more updates as Aston Villa prepares for a crucial summer transfer window that could reshape the future of the club — and Moussa Diaby’s career.*

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Would you also like a follow-up article about “Top 5 Players Villa Could Target to Replace Diaby” or “How Emery’s Trust Philosophy Shapes Villa’s Squad”? Those would fit naturally after this news!