Anis Hadj Moussa admits failed Al-Ittihad move ‘hurt’

Anis Hadj Moussa has spoken publicly about his failed move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad last summer, admitting the transfer saga was difficult to experience.

The Algeria international had been one of Feyenoord’s main attractions for the past two years and endured another unsettled summer, a year after a proposed transfer to Benfica also collapsed.

Al-Ittihad had pursued the 24-year-old winger, who has won 19 caps and scored three goals for Algeria. Feyenoord rejected initial offers it considered too low but agreed to negotiate on a fee of 40m euros, potentially rising to 42m euros with bonuses.

However, the Dutch club subsequently demanded a bank guarantee, which was refused by Al-Ittihad. With no medical completed and no contract signed, Hadj Moussa remained in Rotterdam as the Saudi transfer window entered its final stages.

Speaking to ESPN, the left-footed player acknowledged how painful the situation had been. He also made clear that he has moved on, with his performances earning him the Eredivisie player of the month award for September.

Hadj Moussa had previously been left out against NEC Nijmegen before responding with two goals against PEC Zwolle. He then continued his strong run in the matches against FC Utrecht on 13 and 20 September.

His rapid recovery from the disappointment was praised by Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who saw the winger quickly return to an important role in the team.

After the proposed transfer fell through, Hadj Moussa addressed his team-mates and explained what had happened. The player confirmed the meeting himself without hesitation.

“I explained it to my team-mates,” he said, according to the interview with ESPN, after the breakdown of the move.

The Algeria international has remained a regular starter at Feyenoord since the beginning of the season. He made his eighth start in as many appearances on Saturday, when his side faced AZ Alkmaar in the league.

The latest appearance underlined how quickly Hadj Moussa has restored his focus after a transfer which, in his words, “Ca fait mal” “it hurts”.