Anis Hadj Moussa is back in action for Feyenoord after a dramatic transfer collapse left the Algerian winger's immediate future in limbo. The 24-year-old will travel with the Rotterdam squad to Barcelona for Wednesday's Champions League encounter, marking his return to competitive football following the failed move to Saudi Arabia's Ittihad Club.
The Feyenoord star appeared destined for the Middle East after both clubs reached a verbal agreement on a transfer worth at least €40 million. However, Ittihad's inability to provide the financial guarantee demanded by Feyenoord derailed the deal at the final hurdle. The Saudi club's refusal to meet the Rotterdam side's security requirements meant no medical examination took place, and Hadj Moussa never departed for Riyadh.
Moving Forward After Disappointment
Hadj Moussa's frustration was evident on social media, where he changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of himself wearing an oxygen mask—a symbolic gesture reflecting his emotional state following the transfer's collapse. Yet coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst has restored him to the squad, signalling business as usual for Wednesday's fixture.
According to local reports, Hadj Moussa has since addressed the Feyenoord dressing room about the weekend's events and committed to refocusing on the club's European ambitions. His reintegration comes just three days after being excluded from Saturday's Eredivisie victory over NEC, a 3-1 win that saw Feyenoord maintain momentum in the domestic campaign.
The winger's availability is a significant boost for Feyenoord as they prepare to face Barcelona in a high-stakes Champions League tie. His pace, dribbling ability, and goal-threat from wide positions will be crucial if Van Bronckhorst's side hope to challenge one of Europe's elite teams at Camp Nou.
