Anis Hadj-Moussa set to travel with Feyenoord after Al-Ittihad move collapses

Anis Hadj-Moussa appears to have put the disappointment of his failed transfer to Al-Ittihad behind him and is expected to travel with Feyenoord for their Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Algeria international returned to training on Monday after a turbulent few days during the summer transfer window. According to Dutch radio station RTV Rijnmond, Hadj-Moussa used the session to explain the situation surrounding his future to his Feyenoord team-mates.

His return to the squad comes after relations between the 24-year-old and Feyenoord’s leadership had become strained. The Rotterdam club had initially been reluctant to let him leave, particularly after the Dutch transfer window had closed and there was little prospect of signing a suitable replacement for the left-footed winger.

Feyenoord eventually agreed to negotiate with Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian club featuring Algeria international Houssem Aouar, after receiving several approaches. The proposed deal was worth 40m euros, with the total potentially rising to 42m euros including bonuses.

However, the transfer collapsed in the final stages of the Saudi Arabian window after Al-Ittihad failed to provide the bank guarantee requested by Feyenoord. The Dutch club’s demand was not met in time to complete the move.

Hadj-Moussa was reportedly unhappy with what he considered a lack of clarity from Feyenoord’s management while the negotiations were taking place. His frustration was compounded by his omission from the squad for last weekend’s league match against NEC.

The club officially attributed that absence to disciplinary reasons after the player missed the team bus. Around the same time, Hadj-Moussa changed his profile picture on social media, prompting further speculation about the impact of the failed transfer.

His decision to return to training and accompany Feyenoord to face Barcelona suggests the winger is now attempting to restore stability after an unsettled period. The Champions League fixture will provide an immediate opportunity for him to return to the team’s plans.

Hadj-Moussa has established himself as an important player for Feyenoord since joining the club. He has started all four of their matches at the beginning of this season, scoring once and providing one assist.

The Algeria international has won 18 caps and scored two goals for his country. His latest situation had threatened to overshadow his positive start to the campaign, but his presence in the travelling group indicates that he remains part of Feyenoord’s immediate sporting plans.

The failed move to Al-Ittihad nevertheless leaves uncertainty over whether the tensions surrounding the negotiations will have any lasting effect on the relationship between the player and the club.