Hadj Moussa refuses Feyenoord squad place as Al-Ittihad push for late deal

Al-Ittihad have increased their efforts to sign Algeria winger Anis Hadj Moussa by submitting a new €40m offer to Feyenoord, with the Saudi Pro League transfer window nearing its deadline.

The proposal is intended to complete a deal for the 24-year-old before the Saudi market closes, according to L’Equipe, after the club’s interest was first revealed exclusively by Africafoot.

Hadj Moussa’s future has become increasingly uncertain after he declined to take part in Feyenoord’s match against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday, which was scheduled to kick off at 16:30. His decision came as negotiations between the Dutch club and Al-Ittihad intensified in the final hours of the Saudi transfer window.

The Algeria international, who has won 18 caps for his country, is understood to be keen to leave Feyenoord. He joined the Rotterdam club in 2024 after developing at Lens and has reportedly made his desire to depart clear to the club’s management.

Al-Ittihad have regarded the Paris-born winger as a priority target for several days. The proposed €40m fee would represent a substantial increase on his current estimated market value of €23m, according to Transfermarkt. However, it remains uncertain whether the offer will persuade Feyenoord to sell a player who is contracted until June 2030.

Hadj Moussa earns an annual salary of €490,000, equivalent to 318.5m CFA francs.

Al Ahli also explored the possibility of signing the winger during the summer, according to exclusive information reported by Africafoot. The latest Al-Ittihad proposal therefore comes amid sustained Saudi interest in the Algeria international and a growing sense of urgency before the transfer deadline.

Feyenoord are due to play their sixth league fixture of the season against Zwolle soon. At the time of the report, the betting company 1xBet listed Feyenoord as the favourites, with odds of 1.35 for a home win. A draw was priced at 4.45, while a Zwolle victory was offered at 5.40.

The situation could leave Feyenoord facing a late decision over whether to retain Hadj Moussa or accept a major offer for a player who still has several years remaining on his contract. His refusal to join the squad for the match against NEC Nijmegen has added to speculation that the move to Saudi Arabia could now be approaching a decisive stage.