Anis Hadj Moussa is considering one of the most significant decisions of his young career, with Al-Ittihad interested in signing the Algeria winger after an outstanding season with Feyenoord.
The 24-year-old’s possible move to Saudi Arabia has already prompted strong reactions among Algeria supporters, who fear that leaving European football at this stage could limit his development and damage his prospects with the national team.
Since making his Algeria debut in March 2024, Hadj Moussa has frequently been described as the natural successor to Riyad Mahrez. The left-footed winger is known for his explosiveness and dribbling ability, qualities that have drawn comparisons with the former Algeria captain.
Mahrez has said the 2026 World Cup will be his final international tournament, leaving a significant vacancy on the right side of Algeria’s attack.
Hadj Moussa appeared to be approaching a major turning point after scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists in 40 appearances for Feyenoord last season. Many Algeria fans hoped he would secure a move to an even more prestigious European club and follow, in his own way, the upward career path taken by Mahrez.
However, several high-profile possibilities mentioned during the summer have not materialised. Lille, Marseille and Sporting Portugal were all reported to be among his suitors, but there has been no completed transfer to any of those clubs.
A switch to Saudi Arabia at the age of 24 would therefore be viewed by some supporters as a missed opportunity, or even a major waste of talent.
“S’il finit en Arabie saoudite a 24 ans, faut tellement le blacklister de la selection”, wrote one supporter, while another described a potential move to Al-Ittihad as “le plus grand gachis de l’histoire du football algerien”.
The idea of Algeria excluding Hadj Moussa from international selection appears excessive, however. It would be difficult to imagine the Algerian Football Federation refusing to pick a player simply because he had chosen, like many other internationals, to move to the Saudi Pro League.
The concern is more likely to be sporting than disciplinary. With Mahrez’s departure creating an important opportunity on the right wing, Hadj Moussa still has to demonstrate that he can carry the responsibility attached to becoming one of the Fennecs’ leading players.
Remaining in a prominent European league, competing in UEFA competitions and regularly facing high-level opponents could help him continue his development while maintaining his visibility at the highest level.
The Saudi Pro League’s changing profile also needs to be considered. Since launching its extensive sporting project, Saudi Arabia has made clear that it wants to recruit not only established stars nearing the end of their careers, but also younger players with significant potential and resale value. The broader ambition is to shift the centre of elite football beyond its traditional European base.
At Al-Ittihad, Hadj Moussa would join fellow Algeria international Houssem Aouar and play alongside Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy.
A move to Jeddah would not necessarily end his European career permanently. A return to the continent could remain possible in the future, particularly if he performs well in Saudi Arabia.
Nevertheless, for a player already viewed in Algeria as one of the main symbols of the post-Mahrez era, a transfer at 24 would inevitably bring disappointment to some supporters. With a leading role in the national team potentially available, Hadj Moussa’s next career step will attract close attention.