Chelsea receive clear message after transfer talks to sign ‘special’ AFCON star

Feyenoord have warned the likes of Chelsea and Marseille that Anis Hadj Moussa is not for sale this January.

Hadj Moussa caught the eye with a string of impressive cameo performances at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations before Algeria were eliminated from the competition at the hands of Nigeria.

The 23-year-old was selected by Algeria on the back of an outstanding start to the club season with Feyenoord, in which he notched seven goals and three assists in his opening 23 appearances.

But speculation has been mounting that Hadj Moussa’s days with Feyenoord could be numbered – and a recent report from Foot Mercato credited Chelsea with a strong interest in the Paris-born attacker.

The Blues made initial enquiries over a possible deal this winter and a meeting reportedly took place between Hadj Moussa’s agent, Mohamed Dahmane, and Stamford Bridge officials.

Feyenoord were said to be ‘aware’ of approaches from both Chelsea and Marseille, while the player himself is supposedly ‘open’ to the prospect of leaving Rotterdam for a fresh challenge elsewhere.

However, speaking at a reception with Feyenoord supporters this week, the club’s general manager, Dennis te Kloese was keen to reassure fans that their ‘special’ forward would not be on the move.

‘He’s a special player who stands out. It would be strange if major European clubs didn’t know about Hadj-Moussa,’ Te Kloese said.

‘We didn’t extend his contract for nothing, because the best transfers often come from contract extensions.

‘There is always concrete interest in Hadj-Moussa every day but at this stage of the season, we will absolutely not let him go.

‘We won’t do that. That has been discussed with Anis and also with his agent.’

According to Te Kloese, Hadj Moussa would be putting his place in Algeria’s World Cup squad at risk by leaving Feyenoord for a big-money move elsewhere, where he may not be guaranteed regular minutes.

‘I personally would find it very unwise,’ he added.

‘He has a World Cup coming up, he’s making good progress with his national team and is beloved by his manager, team-mates, and supporters.

‘It would be unwise to leave now and try your luck in a bigger competition, risking your World Cup place. I don’t think he’ll do that.’

Te Kloese hinted that Feyenoord’s stance could change in the summer, but only if their financial conditions were satisfied by a club like Chelsea or Marseille.

‘It’s no secret that he wants to make a move,’ he went on.

‘But it’s also no secret that we’re trying to get our best interests out of it.’

A product of Lens’ academy, Hadj Moussa has already represented five clubs at the start of his career, despite the fact he only turns 24 next month.

The Algerian’s current contract with Feyenoord runs through to June 2030.

Before the 2025/26 season got underway, Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie emphasised that he did not wish to lose Hadj Moussa – who he labelled one of his ‘best players’.

‘It is not the right time for Anis Hadj Moussa to leave the club,’ the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward told reporters when addressing rumours Hadj Moussa could leave.

‘I understand that many clubs are interested in him, but we want to keep our best players.

‘He is staying and is committed to his contract.’

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