Anis Hadj Moussa ready to consider Al-Ittihad move as Feyenoord weigh late offer

Anis Hadj Moussa is now reportedly in favour of joining Al-Ittihad, despite previously prioritising a continuation of his career in Europe, with Feyenoord facing a difficult decision over a possible late Saudi transfer.

The Algeria international’s change of position has emerged during the final hours of the Saudi Arabian transfer window, following a renewed approach from Al-Ittihad. ESPN Netherlands reports that Hadj Moussa and his representatives now want the deal to Rotterdam to be completed.

The development marks a significant shift in the transfer saga. Hadj Moussa had previously been expected to remain in Europe, but Al-Ittihad appear to have made an offer capable of changing his mind.

The player’s representatives are understood to have referred to earlier discussions with Feyenoord about the financial terms under which the club would allow him to leave. However, Feyenoord technical director Devy Rigaux disputes that account and says no agreement was ever put in writing.

Rigaux recently said that the 24-year-old winger had told him he did not want to move to Saudi Arabia. At that stage, Hadj Moussa’s preference in the event of a transfer was reportedly one of Europe’s five major leagues.

A lucrative contract is now believed to be central to Al-Ittihad’s renewed interest. ESPN says the club are offering Hadj Moussa a five-year deal in Jeddah, while Foot Mercato reports an agreement covering four seasons.

The Saudi club have also increased their offer to Feyenoord. Their initial proposal was understood to be worth between 25m and 30m euros, but ESPN now puts the figure at close to 35m euros. Foot Mercato reports an even higher bid of 37.5m euros.

Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing is said to regard the Algeria winger as a priority signing and is pushing strongly for the transfer to happen.

That level of investment leaves Feyenoord facing a major dilemma. The Dutch club would find it difficult to ignore such a substantial fee, but their transfer window has already closed, meaning they would not be able to bring in a conventional replacement.

Rigaux had already warned that he would do « tout » to keep Hadj Moussa, specifically because Feyenoord would be unable to recruit another player in his position after the close of their own market.

The prospect of a move is likely to disappoint Algeria supporters. Hadj Moussa enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists in 40 matches, and appeared capable of taking another step forward in European football.

His decision is also being assessed in the context of Algeria’s national team. Since Riyad Mahrez retired from international football, Hadj Moussa has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become a key option on the right wing for the Fennecs.

Fares Ghedjemis, who came close to joining Monaco, and Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, who has just extended his contract at Hull City, are also among the players considered possible successors in that role.

Hadj Moussa has now made his preference known, but Feyenoord still have to decide whether to accept Al-Ittihad’s proposal. The Saudi transfer window closes on 6 September.