Chelsea circle AFCON breakout star Hadj-Moussa after Algeria exit

By: Akinde S. Oluwaseun

Chelsea are moving quietly. But not slowly.

Talks have reportedly begun over a January move for Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj-Moussa, a name that suddenly feels familiar after a loud Africa Cup of Nations showing with Algeria. French media say the Blues are watching closely. Very closely.

Paris-born. Quick feet. No fear. Hadj-Moussa caught the eye in Morocco, even if Algeria’s journey ended abruptly with a quarter-final defeat to Nigeria over the weekend. That loss didn’t dull the shine. If anything, it amplified it.

Back in Rotterdam, his numbers tell a neat story. Seven goals. Three assists. Twenty-three games. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Foot Mercato reports that his AFCON performances have sparked real interest across Europe, with Chelsea now stepping into the picture. The Club World Cup holders are said to be exploring a winter deal, and a meeting has already taken place between Hadj-Moussa’s agent, Mohamed Dahmane, and Chelsea officials at Stamford Bridge. Quiet business. Serious intent.

Chelsea’s recruitment team is still hunting for young, high-upside talent. That’s the plan. And Hadj-Moussa fits the profile. Feyenoord have been informed too. No surprises there.

A January move? Still possible. But only if Chelsea put forward something “satisfactory”. For everyone. Money talks.

There’s competition, though. Marseille are keen. Very keen. A switch to the Velodrome this month hasn’t been ruled out, and the forward is said to be open to it.

Hadj-Moussa came through Lens’ academy and, despite turning 24 next month, has already worn the colours of five clubs. He’s been around. Learned fast.

His contract in Rotterdam runs until June 2030. Long deal. Strong position. But January windows have a way of changing things. Quickly.