Chelsea open talks to sign AFCON star ahead of January transfer deadline | Football

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Feyenoord forward Anis Hadj-Moussa this January, according to reports in France.

The Paris-born winger caught the eye with a string of impressive cameo performances at the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, who were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Nigeria at the weekend.

It follows an impressive start to the season for Hadj-Moussa at club level, with the 23-year-old racking up seven goals and three assists in 23 appearances for Feyenoord.

French publication Foot Mercato report that Hadj-Moussa’s recent showings at AFCON have won the attacker plenty of admirers across European football – and Chelsea are the latest club to make their move.

It’s claimed the Club World Cup holders have made initial enquiries over a possible transfer this winter, with a meeting taking place between Hadj-Moussa’s agent, Mohamed Dahmane, and Stamford Bridge chiefs.

Scouring the market for players to bolster their ever-growing portfolio of young talent, Chelsea bosses are said to have added Hadj-Moussa’s name to their transfer shortlist – and Feyenoord are ‘aware’ of the Blues’ interest.

The report adds that a January transfer is not out of the question should Chelsea table a ‘satisfactory’ offer that suits all parties.

Marseille have also been credited with a strong interest in Hadj Moussa and it’s been suggested the forward would be open to a proposed move to the Stade Velodrome this month.

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

The Algerian’s current contract in Rotterdam runs through to June 2030.

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie stressed 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 ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker told reporters when asked about rumours the attacker 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.’

However, Hadj Moussa got on the wrong side of Van Persie after a mixed showing in Feyenoord’s Europa League group-stage victory over Panathinaikos in October.

Though Hadj Moussa scored a wondergoal in the 3-1 win for Feyenoord, Van Persie told reporters: ‘He played poorly, he was very careless.

‘He scored a fantastic goal, but that’s the coach’s dilemma: do you keep him on or take him off?’

Van Persie added: ‘He always has that ability to create magical moments out of nothing. Overall, he’s making huge progress.’

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