Hadj Moussa happy at Feyenoord despite failed Al-Ittihad move

Anis Hadj Moussa says he is happy to have remained at Feyenoord after his proposed transfer to Al-Ittihad broke down during the summer transfer window.

The Algeria international, who plays as a winger for the Dutch club, attracted serious interest from Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi Arabian side making a financially attractive offer for his services. However, negotiations with Feyenoord ended without an agreement.

Hadj Moussa stayed in the Netherlands, although uncertainty over his future continued until the Dutch summer transfer window closed.

Speaking to Football International magazine, the Algerian said he had no regrets about the failed move and viewed the situation as a normal part of a professional footballer’s career.

“I am very happy, as I said. These are things that any footballer can go through. In the end, I stayed, and I am very happy about that,” said Hadj Moussa.

The unresolved transfer also affected the winger’s situation at Feyenoord. He was left out of the squad for the match against NEC after Giovanni van Bronckhorst decided that Hadj Moussa was not mentally ready to take part.

Reports also suggested that the player arrived late on the day of the match, adding to the circumstances surrounding his absence.

Despite those developments, van Bronckhorst continued to recognise Hadj Moussa’s ability. The coach described him as an “artist”, highlighting the winger’s technical skills and capacity to produce moments of quality on the pitch.

Hadj Moussa welcomed the compliment from his manager.

“I am pleased that a great player like him says that, and I am very happy about it,” he said.

His comments underline his commitment to continuing with Feyenoord after the attempted transfer to Al-Ittihad ended without the two clubs reaching an agreement.