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Sunderland are reportedly “leading the race” to sign Anis Hadj Moussa this summer, with the winger’s impressive development at Feyenoord attracting growing interest from across Europe.

The Algerian international only joined the Dutch club last year after a deal was agreed in April 2024 for him to move to Rotterdam that summer. Since then, the 24-year-old has established himself as a key attacking threat, producing 22 goals and 11 assists across 76 appearances. This season alone, he has contributed 11 goals and six assists.

His performances have not gone unnoticed. Sunderland are said to be among a number of clubs monitoring his progress, particularly after a campaign in which the winger has shown significant improvement in several key attacking metrics in the Eredivisie. Statistical comparisons between this season and the previous one highlight the strides he has made. His expected goals figure stands at 3.46 compared with 3.14 previously, while his expected assists have increased from 7.29 to 8.37. He is also hitting more shots on target per game – rising from 0.7 to one per match – and creating more high-quality chances for teammates, with 11 big chances created compared with eight the previous season.

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The data also shows an improvement in his ability to beat defenders and deliver into dangerous areas. His successful dribbles per game have increased from 1.6 to 2.6, while his crossing output has climbed from 0.9 to 1.7 per match. Those improvements have helped place Sunderland at the front of the queue for his signature, according to reports. Claims earlier this week suggested the Black Cats could move for the winger, though details of a potential offer were not disclosed.

Further reports now state that Regis Le Bris’ side are currently ahead of rival suitors and have already begun discussions with the player’s representatives. The deal is complicated, however, by strong interest from other English clubs, with Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth all previously linked. Feyenoord are understood to value the winger at between €30million and €35million – roughly £25.5million to £29.8million – which could make negotiations challenging for other interested sides.

Hadj Moussa’s rise has been rapid. He first arrived in Europe when RC Lens brought him into their academy in 2018, though he did not break into the first team. After leaving France on a free transfer in 2022, he joined Olympic Charleroi and scored eight goals in 33 appearances before again moving on without a fee. A switch to Patro Eisden followed in 2023, where his market value was estimated at around €100,000 – roughly £85,000. His value rose steadily after spells in Belgium and the Netherlands, including a loan at Vitesse Arnhem, where he contributed two goals and two assists in 15 matches.m Since joining Feyenoord, his reputation has continued to grow. His valuation climbed from around €12million (£10.2million) in December 2024 to €14million (£11.9million) in May 2025, and is now estimated at around €20million – roughly £17million.

Former Olympique Béja manager Nabil Neghiz believes the winger still has significant room to develop. “His pace over the first few metres allows him to get beyond defenders and create danger in the final third,” Neghiz said. “What makes him particularly exciting is not only what he is showing now but also the potential he still has. If he keeps improving at this rate, he could become one of the most influential attacking wingers in European football.”