Newcastle fans will love what Robin van Persie has said about 'special' Anis Hadj Moussa
Newcastle have been told exactly why they should sign Anis Hadj Moussa by his former boss Robin van Persie.
The Algerian winger is believed to be on Newcastle's radar right now as Eddie Howe aims to add fresh impetus to his attacking options.
Anthony Gordon's departure has accelerated the Magpies' desire to bolster Howe's ranks with new talent in wide areas.
Hadj Moussa has emerged as a key man for Feyenoord over the last two seasons since a £3million move from Belgian second-tier club Patro Eisden.
That rapid rise means Newcastle, Aston Villa and Al Ahli are among his suitors this summer, and recent reports have claimed that he would like to move to the Premier League.
Most Magpies supporters are likely uncertain about what the 24-year-old could bring to their squad ahead of next season.
They will love what former Arsenal and Man United star Van Persie has said about Hadj Moussa during their time working together at De Kuip.
Robin van Persie is a huge admirer of Anis Hadj Moussa
Feyenoord took a gamble on an unproven talent when they signed the Algerian international in 2024, and he made an instant impact with 14 goal contributions in 43 games that season.
Van Persie took over as manager towards the end of that season, and then oversaw their second-placed campaign last term.
Hadj Moussa improved under his guidance, as he registered 14 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Van Persie first publicly praised the 24-year-old to reporters in August last year, saying: “He made a lot of good decisions against NAC Breda. He makes the double run (tracking back) very well. Moussa always works incredibly hard and is basically always fit.”
He then went on to heap more praise on him in November, saying: "I look at Moussa as a player, and he’s been given an additional role as alternate captain. For me, and for all of Feyenoord, Moussa is an important player.
"You can see that in the decisions he makes on the field. He always has to stay creative, but you do see him making more and more logical decisions. He’s really focused on having an even greater impact on the team.”
Then, after a brace in their final game of the league campaign against PEC Zwolle, Van Persie could not speak more highly of his attacking starlet.
He said: "Of course. Hadj Moussa is always a threat on the right wing. Those were two beautiful goals, especially the second one. The first one might have been a bit lucky, but he set it up with his presence and his play. In fact, we should have scored five or six goals today, but we didn’t.
"It’s clear that I’m very happy with Hadj Moussa. He’s a special guy with a great attitude. This season, he’s the player who’s played the most minutes on the team, and that means a lot. For me, he’s an extremely important player, capable of making a difference at any moment. He’s exactly the kind of player we’re looking for in his position."
What has Hadj Moussa said about moving to the Premier League?
Sources have told Football Insider that Harvey Barnes would be happy to join Aston Villa, which could work in Newcastle's favour if it means that they can beat the Second City side to Hadj Moussa's signature.
The World Cup star, who scored the winner against the Netherlands in a warm-up friendly on 3 June, has previously admitted that he wants to play in England.
Speaking about his future to Dutch reporters before that game, he said: "I'm still under contract with Feyenoord. Maybe I'll leave, maybe I'll stay - neither of us knows at this point.”
“If I ever leave, I’d prefer to go to England. I think my style would also work in Spain. Or in France. Both are wonderful soccer nations. But the Premier League, that’s definitely the best league in the world.”