Robert Eenhoorn reveals why Feyenoord rejected Al Ittihad offer for Hadj Moussa

Feyenoord chief executive Robert Eenhoorn has revealed that concerns over Al Ittihad’s proposed payment terms and the absence of a bank guarantee led the Dutch club to reject a move for Anis Hadj Moussa during the summer transfer window.

The Algerian international attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian club, based in Jeddah, but remained at Feyenoord after negotiations failed to produce an agreement.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster ESPN, Eenhoorn explained that the initial payment proposed by Al Ittihad raised immediate concerns about the seriousness of the offer.

According to the Feyenoord executive, the Saudi club was prepared to pay only 10% of the total transfer fee as an initial instalment, prompting the Dutch side to seek additional financial security before proceeding with the deal.

“Regarding Hadj Moussa, I can tell you: the first offer, the first tranche, represented only ten percent of the total amount. In that case, alarm bells went off for me,” explained Eenhoorn.

Bank guarantee missing from Al Ittihad offer

Eenhoorn said Feyenoord requested a bank guarantee to provide assurance that the financial terms of the proposed transfer would be met.

However, the document was never provided by Al Ittihad, leaving the Rotterdam-based club unwilling to continue negotiations.

The absence of the guarantee ultimately contributed to the collapse of the proposed move, with Eenhoorn questioning whether the Saudi club’s interest amounted to a serious attempt to sign the winger.

“That’s why I asked for a bank guarantee, but it never arrived. That’s why, in my opinion, it was never serious,” he added.

Feyenoord’s management subsequently decided against pursuing the transaction, choosing to maintain its position rather than proceed without the financial assurances it considered necessary.

The failed negotiations meant Hadj Moussa stayed in Rotterdam, allowing Feyenoord to retain a player who has made a strong impression with his performances since the transfer saga.

Hadj Moussa remains at Feyenoord

The winger’s continued presence gives Feyenoord the opportunity to keep a player who has started the season in impressive form.

His performances have strengthened the view that retaining him could prove beneficial to the club, particularly after the uncertainty surrounding his future during the summer window.

While Al Ittihad’s interest placed Hadj Moussa’s future under scrutiny, the negotiations ultimately ended without a transfer because Feyenoord’s financial requirements were not met.

Eenhoorn’s comments have now provided further insight into the reasons behind the breakdown, highlighting the importance the Dutch club placed on payment security before agreeing to a deal.

For Feyenoord, the decision ensured that Hadj Moussa remained part of the squad, while the club avoided proceeding with a transfer that its chief executive believed lacked sufficient guarantees.