Anis Hadj Moussa Breaks Silence on Failed Al-Ittihad Move
Algeria winger Anis Hadj Moussa says he is happy to remain at Feyenoord after his proposed summer transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad collapsed. The club, known to supporters as “The Dean,” reportedly made a strong push to sign the winger and offered an attractive financial package. However, negotiations with Feyenoord failed to produce an agreement, leaving Hadj Moussa in the Netherlands when the transfer window closed.
Speaking to Voetbal International, the 24-year-old played down the disappointment of the failed move and said he had no regrets about staying. His comments offer reassurance to Feyenoord supporters after weeks of uncertainty over his future—and provide a glimpse into how the player views a transfer saga that briefly placed him at the centre of the summer’s football headlines.
“I Am Very Happy” at Feyenoord
Hadj Moussa described the transfer negotiations as a familiar part of professional football, rather than a setback that has changed his outlook. “I am very happy, as I said,” he explained. “These are things that any footballer can go through. In the end, I stayed, and I am very happy with that.”
The winger’s message is straightforward: his focus is now on Feyenoord. Although the Al-Ittihad approach created uncertainty while the clubs discussed a possible deal, no transfer was completed. The outcome means Feyenoord have retained a player whose pace, close control and willingness to take on defenders can add an unpredictable dimension to their attack.
For supporters, the failed move also closes one chapter of the summer speculation. A substantial offer can attract attention, but a transfer depends on more than a player’s personal terms. The selling club must also be satisfied with the proposal, and negotiations can break down over valuation, timing or the structure of an agreement. In this case, Feyenoord and Al-Ittihad did not reach the terms needed to make the move happen.
Transfer Talk Affected His Feyenoord Role
The uncertainty surrounding Hadj Moussa’s future appeared to have an immediate effect on his involvement with Feyenoord. He was left out of the squad for the match against NEC after coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst judged that the winger was not mentally ready to play. Reports also circulated that Hadj Moussa arrived late on matchday, adding another layer to the discussion around his absence.
Being omitted from a matchday squad does not necessarily signal a long-term problem, but it can underline how disruptive transfer speculation becomes when a window is still open. Players may be dealing with conversations between clubs, changes to their routine and questions about where they will be playing in the coming weeks. Coaches, meanwhile, must decide whether a footballer is prepared to contribute fully to the team.
Hadj Moussa’s latest comments suggest he is ready to put that episode behind him. By saying he is pleased to have stayed, he has publicly aligned himself with Feyenoord and shifted attention back toward his role on the pitch. The next step will be to turn that reassurance into consistent performances and regain a regular place in the team.
Van Bronckhorst Calls the Winger “An Artist”
Despite the brief disruption, Van Bronckhorst has made clear that he sees considerable potential in the Algerian. The Feyenoord coach described Hadj Moussa as “an artist,” praising the creativity and technical quality that make him capable of producing moments of individual brilliance.
That description reflects the qualities that have helped the winger attract attention. Hadj Moussa can use quick changes of direction and confident close control to unsettle defenders, particularly when he receives the ball wide and has space to attack one-on-one. His ability to improvise can offer Feyenoord a different option in the final third, where a single dribble or unexpected pass may create an opening.
The player welcomed the praise, saying: “It pleases me that a great player like him says this, and I am very happy with that.” The exchange points to a positive relationship between coach and player, even after the winger’s absence from the NEC fixture. Van Bronckhorst’s endorsement may also serve as encouragement as Hadj Moussa works to re-establish his place in Feyenoord’s plans.
What the Failed Transfer Means for Feyenoord
Keeping Hadj Moussa gives Feyenoord continuity in attack and preserves a player who can provide energy and creativity from the wing. It also gives the club time to assess his development without the distraction of an immediate transfer. If he responds well to the uncertainty and earns back the coach’s trust, the episode could become a short-lived interruption rather than a defining moment in his season.
For Hadj Moussa, the challenge is to show that his commitment matches his words. Training performances, selection decisions and contributions during matches will offer the clearest evidence that he has moved on from the Al-Ittihad negotiations. Feyenoord will also want him to combine his flair with consistency, defensive work and effective decision-making in the final third.
Transfer speculation may return when another window opens, particularly if the winger continues to impress. For now, however, his stated position is clear: the move to Al-Ittihad did not happen, and he is content to continue his career in Rotterdam. Feyenoord fans will be watching to see whether the “artist” can turn that renewed focus into the kind of performances that make a difference on the pitch.
Football Prediction: What to Watch Next
Any football prediction about Hadj Moussa’s immediate future should be cautious. His comments point toward a fresh start at Feyenoord, but his playing time will depend on his fitness, form and the coach’s assessment of his readiness. If he returns to the squad and produces the direct, inventive football Van Bronckhorst praised, he could quickly become an important attacking option again.
The failed transfer has therefore left both player and club with a clear opportunity: put the summer uncertainty aside and focus on results. Hadj Moussa says he is happy to stay. Feyenoord will hope his next response comes through his football.
