Anis Hadj Moussa will not feature in Feyenoord's squad for Saturday's away clash against NEC following a dramatic escalation in his transfer standoff. The Algerian forward deliberately arrived late to the team coach bound for Nijmegen and subsequently returned home, cementing his refusal to participate in the fixture.
The 24-year-old's absence stems directly from his pursuit of a move to Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Arabian giants who tabled a €37.5 million bid on Friday—a potential club record transfer fee for Rotterdam. Despite the substantial offer, Feyenoord rejected the proposal that same evening, unwilling to sanction the departure of their prized asset mid-season.
Saudi Arabia's Record Salary Draw
Hadj Moussa's desperation to complete the move reveals the financial magnetism of Saudi football. Reports indicate the forward would earn over €50 million across five seasons at the Middle Eastern club—a life-changing contract that dwarfs his current earnings. This astronomical compensation package has clearly motivated his refusal to train and play, putting intense pressure on his Dutch employers.
Time remains a critical factor, as the Saudi transfer window closes on Sunday 6 September, leaving just days for negotiations. Al-Ittihad, however, have hedged their bets by monitoring PSV forward Esmir Bajraktarevic as a potential alternative, though Hadj Moussa remains their primary target.
Feyenoord face a weekend fixture without their leading forward, forcing manager Brian Priske to devise creative solutions for Saturday's 4.30pm kickoff. The club's refusal to cooperate with the Saudi bid suggests they plan to retain their striker through the window, though his disciplinary breach may force internal consequences.
