Al-Ittihad line up Luis Henrique alternative as Anis Hadj Moussa deal faces late test

Al-Ittihad have submitted a final €40m offer for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa but are also preparing a move for Zenit forward Luis Henrique in case negotiations for the Algeria international cannot be completed in time.

The Saudi club have not abandoned their pursuit of Hadj Moussa and remain focused on reaching an agreement with Feyenoord during the current transfer window. However, the limited time available and the complexity of discussions have prompted Al-Ittihad to begin work on a contingency plan.

Hadj Moussa is understood to be keen to leave Feyenoord after informing the Dutch club’s management that he wants to take on a new challenge. That desire could help keep the transfer alive despite the difficulties surrounding the proposed move.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Al-Ittihad are continuing to work on the deal, while simultaneously exploring another option should an agreement with Feyenoord prove impossible.

Romano wrote: “Al-Ittihad keep working on the deal to try to sign Anis Hadj Moussa as a new winger. If no agreement is reached soon with Feyenoord, Al-Ittihad will move for Zenit’s Luis Henrique, with initial contacts already started for the deal.”

The club’s approach reflects a desire to avoid reaching the final hours of the transfer market without adding a new attacking player. Al-Ittihad are seeking to strengthen their options in wide areas, making Hadj Moussa their leading target while Brazilian winger Luis Henrique is being considered as the ready-made alternative.

The next few hours could therefore determine which winger joins Al-Ittihad. The club must either persuade Feyenoord to accept the €40m proposal and complete an agreement for Hadj Moussa, or switch their attention quickly to Luis Henrique before the transfer window closes.

Hadj Moussa, 24, has won 18 international caps for Algeria. He began his football career in France at the Lens academy before moving to Feyenoord in 2024 and continuing his development in the Netherlands.

The forward’s stated desire for a fresh experience has given Al-Ittihad encouragement that a deal remains possible. Nevertheless, Feyenoord’s position and the shrinking time available mean the Saudi club are unwilling to rely solely on one negotiation.

For now, Hadj Moussa remains the priority, with the €40m offer representing Al-Ittihad’s final attempt to secure his signature. Luis Henrique, meanwhile, has emerged as the player they may turn to if the Feyenoord talks fail to produce an agreement soon.

The outcome will shape Al-Ittihad’s attacking plans before the end of the current market, with the club trying to ensure they complete a wide-player signing rather than be left without a new attacking reinforcement.