Inter are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for a fee of €25 million, including bonuses, according to reports in Italy. The Israeli international winger did not feature in Union Saint-Gilloise’s friendly against Steaua Bucharest, with the club citing a minor injury sustained during pre-season training.
However, sources indicate the decision to rest Khalaili was a precautionary measure taken to avoid any potential issues during ongoing transfer negotiations. The 25-year-old played 45 minutes in his side’s first pre-season match, but was held out of the subsequent fixture as a preventative step. Union Saint-Gilloise are understood to be amenable to the deal, and will also be obligated to pass a percentage of the fee on to Maccabi Haifa, Khalaili’s former club.
Inter have reportedly agreed personal terms with Khalaili, offering him a five-year contract. The move aligns with Inter’s strategy of reinforcing key positions without overspending, and provides a dynamic option on the right flank to complement Federico Dimarco. Inter’s pre-season training camp in Germany will provide an ideal environment to integrate Khalaili into the squad.
Initial reports from Belgium suggested Union Saint-Gilloise attempted to increase their asking price, hoping to spark a bidding war following interest from Napoli. However, Napoli’s withdrawal from the race and the lack of competing offers have seemingly allowed Inter to negotiate a deal closer to their initial valuation. The transfer is expected to be finalized quickly, with Khalaili potentially joining the team before their departure for Germany.
Inter’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio, is also pursuing other targets, including Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah to bolster the defense and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones for midfield. Ivan Provedel, the Lazio goalkeeper, is expected in Milan shortly to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Inter.
