Feyenoord Rotterdam has confirmed that Algerian winger Anis Hadj-Moussa will remain at the Dutch club for the remainder of the season, ending speculation over a winter move to Chelsea or Olympique de Marseille.
Meanwhile, fellow Algerian Himad Abdelli sees his prospective transfer to Marseille jeopardized following the arrival of Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber.
During a pre-match press conference ahead of Feyenoord’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz, CEO Dennis Te Kloese made it clear that Hadj-Moussa, who has been closely monitored by Marseille and Premier League side Chelsea, will not leave the Eredivisie club this winter.
“Feyenoord Rotterdam is closed to the departure of Anis Hadj-Moussa, whether to OM or Chelsea,” Te Kloese said. “The World Cup is approaching, Anis is progressing more and more with the national team, so I think it would be unwise to leave for a big club in a difficult league. We would then have to wait and see if he plays, which would jeopardize his participation in the World Cup. But his ambition is no secret, and we, as a club, are also benefiting from it. We extended his contract for a very specific reason.”
Local Marseille media reported that Olympique de Marseille had engaged in prolonged negotiations with Feyenoord for Hadj-Moussa, but fierce competition from Chelsea and Feyenoord’s refusal to sell have stalled the deal.
The French side has now shifted its focus to 24-year-old Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, who officially joined Marseille from Feyenoord in a deal reportedly worth €3.5 million excluding bonuses.
Timber was greeted by around fifty fans upon his arrival at Marignane airport.
For Himad Abdelli, the Timber signing further complicates his path to Marseille.
The 26-year-old Angers midfielder, currently training with the reserve squad under fellow Algerian Antar Yahia, has seen his chances diminish after refusing to complete his contract until season’s end.
His potential move was also hampered by financial disagreements, with OM reportedly offering €2 million for his transfer.
With both Abdelli and Hadj-Moussa now likely to finish the season at their current clubs, questions remain over their European futures and their readiness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
