Sporting Lisbon make Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa top target after Trincao exit

Sporting CP have identified Feyenoord’s Algeria international Anis Hadj Moussa as a leading attacking target following the big-money sale of Francisco Trincao to Al Ahli.

The Portuguese champions confirmed Trincao’s departure earlier in the summer window, with the forward joining the Saudi Pro League side in a deal reported to be worth around €45m. Sporting are now looking to reinvest a significant portion of that fee to reinforce their front line.

According to Foot Mercato, Sporting’s hierarchy have moved quickly to place Hadj Moussa at the top of their shortlist as they seek a direct replacement for Trincao in wide areas.

The 24-year-old, who plays primarily as a right winger for Feyenoord, is under contract with the Dutch club until 30 June 2030, meaning any transfer would require a substantial financial outlay. His current market value is put at approximately €23m by Transfermarkt, a figure Sporting may need to approach to have a realistic chance of securing his signature.

Feyenoord’s long-term deal with the player strengthens their position ahead of any negotiations, with Sporting expected to face firm resistance if they attempt to prise him away this summer.

Key attacking option

Hadj Moussa enjoyed a highly productive campaign last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions. His consistency in the final third and his influence in decisive attacking moments have drawn interest from clubs across Europe and beyond.

While most frequently deployed on the right flank, the Algerian international is also comfortable operating from the left, thanks to his technical quality, creativity and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. That positional flexibility is seen as particularly valuable by Sporting as they reshape their attacking options after Trincao’s exit.

Sporting view him as a player capable of slotting straight into their system, offering direct running, goal threat and end product from wide areas.

Competition from Al Ahli

Al Ahli, who have just completed the signing of Trincao from Sporting, also tried to bring in Hadj Moussa earlier in the current transfer window. The Saudi club were unable to finalise a deal, leaving the door open for Sporting to step up their interest.

That earlier approach underlines the level of attention Hadj Moussa is attracting after his breakthrough season, and highlights the financial competition Sporting may face should Feyenoord decide to entertain offers.

Financial considerations

Any move for Hadj Moussa would represent a major investment for Sporting. In addition to a likely sizeable transfer fee, the winger is reported to earn an annual salary of €490,000 (318,500,000 FCFA) at Feyenoord.

For now, Sporting are understood to be weighing up how best to deploy the funds generated by Trincao’s sale, with Hadj Moussa emerging as one of the main options to strengthen their attacking department as they prepare for the new season.

No agreement has yet been reached between the clubs, but Sporting’s interest in the Algerian international is described as concrete and a priority as their summer recruitment gathers pace.