Chelsea Eye Transfer Move for AFCON Star Anis Hadj Moussa: A Potential Game-Changer
Chelsea are reportedly considering making a move for Feyenoord's rising star Anis Hadj Moussa, following his impressive performances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and in the Champions League. Learn more about the Blues' potential pursuit of the talented winger amid a period of change and transition.
Chelsea have reportedly made inquiries regarding a potential transfer move for Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa. The 23-year-old made a big impression during Algeria's run to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, providing two assists during a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea during the group stage, and has previously caught the eye with a goal against Manchester City in last season's Champions League.Chelsea have already had a rather dramatic start to 2026, with January bringing the exit of former manager Enzo Maresca and the arrival of Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg. The Blues took the decision to change bosses after losing momentum under the Italian, who had previously led the squad to victory in the Conference League and Club World Cup. With Rosenior now in charge, it remains to be seen how Chelsea will approach the January transfer window, which is typically a difficult time to conduct business in as many clubs are unwilling to let players leave unless they receive offers that are too good to turn down.Earlier this month, it was reported that the west London side would be more focused on trying to sell players rather than bring any fresh faces into the club, though they could be tempted to test the waters if a worthwhile opportunity arises.Hadj Moussa enjoyed a positive showing at AFCON, helping Algeria reach the quarter-finals where they were beaten 2-0 by Nigeria. His best moment came in a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea as he bagged two assists, though he was then restricted to substitute appearances in the following two games after being dropped from the starting XI.Now, according to Foot Mercato, Chelsea have contacted Hadj Moussa's agent, Mohamed Dahmane, and current side Feyenoord are aware that a departure could materialise if they receive a good enough offer. The winger extended his contract with the Dutch side until 2030 last year, meaning Feyenoord are in a strong position when it comes to transfer negotiations.AFCON is not the first time Hadj Moussa has impressed on a global stage. Last season, he put in a memorable performance in a clash with City. Despite Feyenoord trailing 3-0 after a brace from Erling Haaland and another goal from Ilkay Gundogan, Hadj Moussa netted in the 75th minute to kick-start a comeback as Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko also scored to earn the visitors a point. It created some unwanted history for City as they became the first team ever in the Champions League to have led by three goals as late as the 75th minute and failed to win a match."Exceptional. He was outstanding. He’s been great for us in recent games, constantly pushing and providing us with valuable attacking qualities," then Feyenoord manager Brian Priske told Flashscore when asked about Hadj Moussa's performance. "At the same time, he has displayed the discipline and defensive work required at a top team, so he has truly been excellent for us. For Anis, he has improved for us recently. He’s shown great discipline, a strong mindset, and has been working hard for the team, while also becoming more effective in the attacking phase. "He's not always relying on tricks, but making the right decisions, which is crucial when playing in the Champions League, where opportunities can be limited."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingChelsea have made a concerted effort to target young players in transfer windows over the past few years as they look to build a squad full of both potential and proven quality. The summer saw the likes of Liam Delap, Estevao, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens arrive, among others, while vast amounts have been spent on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez since Todd Boehly and BlueCo took ownership of the club from Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea's Pursuit of Anis Hadj Moussa
Chelsea have recently initiated talks with Feyenoord over a possible transfer deal for Anis Hadj Moussa, the talented Algerian winger who has been turning heads with his exceptional displays. Following an impactful showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a pivotal role in Algeria's journey to the quarter-finals, Hadj Moussa has captured the attention of top clubs across Europe. His notable performance against Manchester City in the Champions League further solidified his reputation as a player with immense potential.
Chelsea's Managerial Shift and Transfer Strategy
The beginning of 2026 witnessed significant changes for Chelsea, with the departure of former manager Enzo Maresca and the appointment of Liam Rosenior as the new head coach. With a shift in leadership, Chelsea are navigating a crucial period as they assess their squad and potential transfer targets. While the club initially focused on offloading players in the January transfer window, the opportunity to acquire a player of Hadj Moussa's caliber could present an enticing proposition for the Blues.
Hadj Moussa's Performance Highlights
Anis Hadj Moussa's impact at both the international and club levels has been commendable, with his standout performances showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess. From his influential role in Algeria's AFCON campaign to his memorable goal against Manchester City in the Champions League, Hadj Moussa has proven to be a player capable of making a difference on the big stage. His technical quality, work ethic, and effectiveness in both offensive and defensive phases have garnered praise from coaches and observers alike.
Chelsea's Strategic Approach to Transfers
Under the ownership of Todd Boehly and BlueCo, Chelsea have adopted a strategic approach to player recruitment, focusing on a blend of emerging talents and established stars. The club's recent signings reflect a commitment to building a competitive squad for the future, with an emphasis on nurturing young talents like Hadj Moussa alongside experienced players. Should Chelsea proceed with their pursuit of the Feyenoord winger, it would align with their broader vision of creating a dynamic and competitive team for upcoming seasons.







