The proposed transfer of Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad has encountered a late setback, with the Dutch side now reluctant to allow the 24-year-old to leave.
The two clubs had reached an agreement in principle over a move for Hadj Moussa, who was expected to sign a four-year contract with Al-Ittihad running until 2030.
However, Feyenoord told their Saudi counterparts in the early hours of Thursday that the transfer was unlikely to be completed after they failed to secure a replacement for the Algeria international before the Netherlands’ summer transfer window closed.
The Dutch transfer window shut on Wednesday evening, leaving Feyenoord with limited options if they are to sanction the winger’s departure.
According to sources cited in the article, officials are continuing efforts to persuade Feyenoord to release Hadj Moussa. But the club is currently maintaining its position that the player should remain in the Netherlands.
The situation has also prompted criticism from Feyenoord supporters, who have reacted strongly to reports that the club had reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad over the player.
One possible solution would be for Feyenoord to bring in a free agent as a replacement. That option, however, is considered unlikely, leaving the proposed transfer dependent on whether the Dutch club changes its position.
Feyenoord had initially been willing to sell Hadj Moussa because of the club’s need for additional funds. The failure to find another player to fill his position has since caused the club to reconsider that decision.
Hadj Moussa remains under contract with Feyenoord until the summer of 2030.
The winger himself is understood to be open to the move. Sources cited in the article say Hadj Moussa welcomed the prospect of joining Al-Ittihad, where he could link up with fellow Algeria international Houssem Aouar.
A decision on his future is expected in the coming hours.
Feyenoord’s management is also expected to address the situation at a press conference, with the club’s transfer activity and Hadj Moussa’s future among the issues likely to be discussed.
Al-Ittihad are seeking a right winger following the departure of French forward Moussa Diaby, who joined Bayer Leverkusen for about €38m.
The Saudi club has other candidates on its list should a deal for Hadj Moussa fail to materialise. Paris FC winger Ilan Kebal and RB Leipzig winger Yohan Bakayoko are also being considered as possible additions.
For now, the proposed move remains unresolved. While an agreement had been reached in principle between Feyenoord and Al-Ittihad, the Dutch club’s inability to replace Hadj Moussa before the domestic transfer deadline has placed the deal in serious doubt.
