Anis Hadj Moussa has spoken about the failed move to Saudi Arabia that left him at Feyenoord after the transfer window closed, admitting that the episode was difficult to deal with.
The Algeria international was a leading figure for Feyenoord last summer, having already endured a disrupted transfer window 12 months earlier when a proposed move to Benfica fell through.
Al-Ittihad had pursued the 24-year-old winger strongly. Feyenoord rejected earlier offers that were considered too low, but eventually agreed to discuss a deal worth 40m euros, potentially rising to 42m euros including bonuses.
The transfer ultimately collapsed when Feyenoord requested a bank guarantee that was refused by Al-Ittihad. With neither a medical completed nor a contract signed, Hadj Moussa remained in Rotterdam as the final moments of the Saudi transfer window passed.
Speaking to ESPN, he acknowledged that he had found the uncertainty painful. The left-footed player also made clear that he had moved on from the disappointment, a response reflected in his performances and his award as Eredivisie player of the month for September.
Hadj Moussa had initially been left out against NEC Nijmegen. He responded by scoring twice against PEC Zwolle before finding the net again against FC Utrecht on 13 and 20 September.
His rapid return to form was praised by Feyenoord manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who highlighted the way the winger had reacted after the transfer failed to materialise.
Hadj Moussa also addressed his team-mates after the move broke down, explaining the situation to them directly. He has since confirmed that meeting himself.
The winger has remained a regular selection since the start of the season. On Saturday, he made his eighth start in as many appearances when Feyenoord faced AZ Alkmaar in the league.
His consistent involvement has followed a transfer saga that threatened to dominate the closing stages of the summer window. Although the proposed move to Al-Ittihad had reached the stage of discussions over a fee of up to 42m euros, the required bank guarantee meant the deal could not be completed.
Hadj Moussa therefore began the season with Feyenoord and has used his return to action to put the disappointment behind him. His September performances, including the goals against PEC Zwolle and FC Utrecht, helped underline that response.