‘Lack of respect’ saw Anis Hadj Moussa’s move to Lille break down

Lille OSC looked to prepare for life without Edon Zhegrova (25) during the January transfer window. The Kosovo international is currently out with an injury and isn’t expected to return for several weeks, whilst long-term, he is not expected to be a part of the project. A target for many top clubs, including Napoli, the winger will be allowed to leave LOSC come the end of the season. 

Lille identified Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa (22) as the priority target to replace Zhegrova, and according to L’Équipe, an agreement was even in place with the Algeria international’s agent that would see the winger join the French club in January. Terms with Feyenoord would not be difficult with a release clause worth around €10m easily activateable. 

However, once the agreement was made with Hadj Moussa and his agent, there was radio silence. It was impossible to get in contact with the entourage. After Les Dogues’ 6-1 win over Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League on 29th January, Hadj Moussa once again showed an interest in joining Lille, but it was too late. Bruno Genesio and Olivier Létang thought that the winger had shown a “lack of respect” to the club, as per L’Équipe, and so the deal was not pursued.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle