Hadj Moussa left frustrated as Al-Ittihad transfer collapses at the last minute

Anis Hadj Moussa’s proposed move from Feyenoord to Al-Ittihad has fallen through after the Saudi Pro League club failed to provide the bank guarantee required by the Dutch side.

Feyenoord had rejected several offers before agreeing to negotiate a deal understood to be worth €40m, potentially rising to €42m with bonuses. Hadj Moussa was expected to join Al-Ittihad on a contract that could have transformed his career financially, but the transfer collapsed only hours before the deadline.

The Algeria international did not undergo a medical and no paperwork was signed before the deal broke down.

The failure will be particularly painful for Hadj Moussa, who had made it clear that he wanted to leave. At 24, his decision to consider a move to Saudi Arabia had already prompted criticism, with some questioning whether he was giving up on the highest level of European football too soon.

That judgement, however, is not entirely straightforward. Mateo Retegui, the leading scorer in Serie A, left Atalanta for Al-Qadsiah at the age of 26. Other established internationals have also moved to the Saudi Pro League without seeing their careers come to an end.

Given the quality of the players, managers and resources now present in the Saudi Pro League, it would also be an oversimplification to describe Al-Ittihad as an obvious step backwards from the Eredivisie.

The more immediate concern is Hadj Moussa’s state of mind. His desire to depart, combined with his absence from Feyenoord’s match against NEC Nijmegen officially attributed to two late arrivals had created an uneasy atmosphere around the player.

He is entitled to feel frustrated after contributing to Feyenoord’s performances and strong results in domestic and European football. One of his most memorable displays came at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City two years ago, when he produced an outstanding performance.

Feyenoord, though, were equally entitled to protect their interests while considering a transfer of such significant value. In football, gratitude often ends where financial interests begin.

The timing of the failed move is especially unfortunate for Algeria. Following Riyad Mahrez’s retirement from international football, Hadj Moussa is expected to become one of the new figures responsible for driving the team’s attacking play.

Newly appointed Algeria manager Brahim Hemdani will want an unburdened, aggressive and decisive winger rather than a player still distracted by the events of the transfer window. The next international gathering could nevertheless provide Hadj Moussa with an opportunity to recover.

Returning to the Algeria squad, taking on greater responsibility and reconnecting with the affection of the supporters may help him move beyond the disappointment quickly.

The winger’s situation is not without positives. He remains at a competitive club and will again play in the Champions League, with Feyenoord due to travel to Barcelona on Wednesday for their opening match.

In Algeria, there is a saying: « Fi koulli ta’khira khira » in every delay, there may be something good. Hadj Moussa’s challenge now is to turn the failed transfer into extra determination, both for Feyenoord and with the national team.

By Naim Beneddra