Diarra heads to Anderlecht on loan as Alaves begin January clear-out
Moussa Diarra departs Alaves for Anderlecht on loan with an option to buy, following training ground controversy that saw him frozen out of Coudet's plans.
Moussa Diarra has secured a move away from Alaves, joining Belgian side Anderlecht on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.
Belgian escape after training ground drama
The defender’s departure comes as no surprise to those following events at the Mendizorrotza in recent months. Since joining from Toulouse in summer 2024, Diarra’s time in Vitoria has been a proper mare, with the player barely getting a look-in under Eduardo Coudet this season.
Things went from bad to worse when Diarra and teammate Mariano (on loan from Real Madrid) sparked controversy by walking out of a training session before the Copa del Rey match against Sevilla. The pair reportedly did one after learning they wouldn’t be in the starting XI.
Since that incident, Diarra hasn’t been named in a single matchday squad, though he continued training with the first team at Ibaia. The January transfer window couldn’t have come at a better time for all parties, with Anderlecht’s interest providing the perfect exit route.
Financial breathing room
Diarra’s departure isn’t just about clearing out an unhappy player – it serves a crucial financial purpose for Alaves. By shifting his wages off the books, the Basque club will create some much-needed wiggle room in their salary cap, potentially enabling them to bring in reinforcements before the window slams shut.
More departures on the horizon
The clear-out at Paseo de Cervantes is gathering pace, with Diarra unlikely to be the last player heading for the exit door this week:
- Carlos Vicente’s transfer to Birmingham City is reportedly imminent
- Sporting Director Sergio Fernández has been working on multiple outgoings
- Focus will soon shift to potential incomings with the freed-up salary space
For Diarra, the move offers a fresh start in the Belgian Pro League after his Alaves adventure turned sour faster than milk in the sun.