Anis Hadj Moussa’s Champions League performances analysed amid Newcastle interest
Anis Hadj Moussa has previously impressed in the Champions League for Feyenoord and is now on Newcastle's radar ahead of next season.
Reports from France have claimed that Newcastle are battling Aston Villa and several Saudi sides to land Hadj Moussa this summer.
The Algerian international is currently representing his country at the World Cup off the back of a strong season with Feyenoord.
He helped the Dutch giants finish second in the Eredivisie last season, after they had ended his debut campaign sat third.
Hadj Moussa emerged as a key man for Feyenoord during his first season at the club as they took part in the maiden edition of the revamped Champions League format.
He rose to prominence throughout that campaign, just months after featuring in the Belgian second tier for Patro Eisden.
Newcastle are aiming to return to the UCL soon after failing to qualify for next season, and will be pleased to know that he has previously impressed in the competition.
Anis Hadj Moussa's Champions League performances analysed
Hadj Moussa made his Champions League bow against Bayer Leverkusen in September 2024, but saw his side suffer a 4-0 defeat off the bench.
His first goal in the competition came against Red Bull Salzburg in November, as he cleverly flicked the ball past a defender and used the outside of his left foot to score from a tight angle.
He followed that up with another goal and a fine showing by kick-starting an unlikely comeback from 3-0 down against Man City to help Feyenoord take a point from the Etihad later that same month.
Hadj Moussa then made it three goals in as many UCL games against Sparta Prague, while he also assisted Gernot Trauner's opener in a 4-2 victory.
Feyenoord were eventually eliminated by Inter Milan in the round of 16, but he had cemented himself as a regular starter, and was even reportedly picked out as their most dangerous player by Simone Inzaghi before the clash.
The 24-year-old went on to score in UCL qualifying against Fenerbahce last season, as he won Man of the Match in their first-leg win, but they crashed out before the league phase with a loss in the second-leg.
What is the latest on Newcastle vs UEFA?
Newcastle are set to be one of the busiest Premier League clubs this summer, according to Football Insider's sources, but have suffered a minor setback to their plans this week.
It was revealed on Tuesday afternoon that they have been fined around £5.1m by UEFA for breaching their financial sustainability regulations.
It is regarded as a positive outcome, according to reports, as that figure is much less than the £27m and £9.5m that Chelsea and Aston Villa were fined respectively.
Newcastle will hope to return to the Champions League soon, with Hadj Moussa in their arsenal, but must make sure they are not caught out again or will face an even bigger sanction from UEFA.