Anis Hadj Moussa goes on strike at Feyenoord and puts Barcelona clash in doubt

Feyenoord travel to the Spotify Camp Nou with a major internal crisis on their hands: Anis Hadj Moussa has gone on strike. The 24-year-old winger did not show up for his team's match against NEC Nijmegen, and his involvement in the Champions League tie against Barcelona on Wednesday at 6:45 PM is now in serious doubt. The French-Algerian player wants to leave for Al-Ittihad and has decided to force his way out.

• Hadj Moussa did not report for the match against NEC Nijmegen, which Feyenoord won 3-1.
• Al-Ittihad have tabled an offer of 37 million euros for the forward.
• Head coach Gio van Bronckhorst spoke with the player hours before the game, and he made clear he did not want to play.
• Feyenoord are resisting the sale and want more money for their star player.
• The Saudi transfer window remains open, keeping the deal alive.

What has happened with Anis Hadj Moussa at Feyenoord

The saga began to take shape on Friday, when Al-Ittihad raised their proposal to 37 million euros for the attacker. Hadj Moussa had become the main offensive reference for the Dutch side since the departure of Japanese striker Ayase Ueda to Lille, and the Saudi offer included a salary that was extremely difficult for the player to turn down.

Gio van Bronckhorst tried to calm things down in the press conference before the match against NEC Nijmegen. The former Barcelona player stated that his footballer had never told him he wanted to leave. However, reality proved the coach wrong just a few hours later: Hadj Moussa did not show up at the stadium and Feyenoord had to play without their main attacking threat.

The conversation between Van Bronckhorst and Hadj Moussa that changed everything

The Dutch coach had a direct conversation with the winger before the match. During that talk, Hadj Moussa made it clear that he did not want to play and that his intention was to leave the club for Saudi Arabia. From that point on, Feyenoord realized they were dealing with a player on strike and that his sporting situation had completely changed.

Sources close to the player point to family pressure as a key factor in his stance. The financial gap between what he currently earns in Rotterdam and what Al-Ittihad are offering is enormous, and that contrast has reportedly tipped the balance in favor of an immediate exit.

Why Feyenoord are refusing to sell Hadj Moussa

The Dutch club are not willing to give in so easily. Although Al-Ittihad's 37 million euros represents a significant sum, Feyenoord's board believes their player is worth more and wants to secure a higher fee for his transfer. The official position is firm: without an improved offer, there will be no sale.

The situation is made more complicated for Feyenoord by the fact that the Saudi market remains open, unlike most European leagues. That allows Al-Ittihad to keep pushing with time on their side, while the Dutch club lose their best player in the middle of a European tie.

How Hadj Moussa's strike affects the match against Barcelona

Hadj Moussa's participation at the Spotify Camp Nou appears to be ruled out at this stage. The player is not training with the first team, has not been working normally, and his mind is focused on securing a move to Saudi Arabia. Unless there is an unexpected twist in the coming hours, Barcelona will not have to worry about him in the first leg.

For Feyenoord, losing their star player on a big European night is a heavy blow. The Dutch side head to the Camp Nou hoping to compete against one of the most in-form teams in Europe, and the absence of their best attacker significantly reduces their chances.

What is at stake for Feyenoord without Hadj Moussa in the Champions League

The draw handed Feyenoord a demanding tie against a Barcelona side flying high in Europe. Without Hadj Moussa, Van Bronckhorst's team lose dribbling ability, finishing power and that touch of unpredictability provided by differential players. The coach will have to rebuild his attack with less established alternatives.

The tie represents a historic opportunity for Feyenoord, who have already shown in other Champions League stages their ability to compete against the continent's biggest clubs. However, the Hadj Moussa conflict has arrived at the worst possible moment and threatens to derail the club's entire sporting plan.

The Saudi market, a decisive factor in Hadj Moussa's strike

Al-Ittihad have identified Hadj Moussa as their primary late-window target. The Saudi side, already boasting a squad packed with international stars, want to complete the signing of the French-Algerian to strengthen their attack. The 37 million euro offer is just the starting point of what promises to be a tense negotiation.

Interest from Saudi football in talent from European leagues has continued to grow in recent years. The ability to offer multi-million contracts leads players like Hadj Moussa to push their clubs for an exit, even going on strike as has happened in this case.

What options are left for Feyenoord with Hadj Moussa

Feyenoord are facing two main scenarios. The first involves resisting pressure from both the player and Al-Ittihad until they receive an offer that meets their financial demands. The second, more drastic option, would be to keep the footballer in the squad knowing full well that his performance and commitment are seriously damaged.

Experience from similar cases suggests that strikes of this nature usually end with the player leaving. The Dutch club need to sell in order to fund a reliable replacement, but they will not accept just any amount. The negotiation is expected to drag on until the final days of the Saudi transfer window.