Anan Khalaili is poised to join Inter Milan after head coach Cristian Chivu personally intervened to secure the Israel international’s signature, beating a €30 million offer from Ipswich Town and interest from several other European clubs.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who turns 22 in September, will travel from Brussels to Milan to complete the transfer following weeks of intensive negotiations. His father, Madji Khalaili, confirmed the deal is effectively concluded, with Union Saint-Gilloise set to receive €25 million plus performance-related add-ons that meet their €30 million asking price. Maccabi Haifa, Khalaili’s former club, are entitled to 15 per cent of any future sell-on fee.
Chivu’s Decisive Intervention
The transfer appeared close to collapse before Chivu acted directly. Speaking to Israeli radio station 103FM, Madji Khalaili explained that the Inter manager called the player personally from Miami to guarantee first-team opportunities in the position vacated by Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to complete a move to Real Madrid.
The father revealed that Chivu “took the initiative” to convince the player during a crucial period. “We endured a difficult week and Anan nearly missed training, with negotiations so close to collapsing,” Madji Khalaili said. After final terms were agreed, the player’s father called to share the news, receiving a typically calm response: “Really? Wow.”
Premier League Interest Rejected
Despite late pressure from England, Khalaili opted for Serie A. Ipswich Town submitted a formal proposal worth €30 million, while Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Cagliari, Atalanta and Napoli all expressed interest. However, Napoli’s opening offer fell well short of Union Saint-Gilloise’s valuation, and the Belgian club maintained their stance throughout discussions.
Khalaili is scheduled to fly to Milan shortly aboard a private aircraft arranged by the club to undergo medical examinations and complete the transfer.
Champions League Credentials
Khalaili’s performances in Europe’s premier competition proved decisive in convincing Inter to proceed. He scored three goals in just eight Champions League appearances for Union Saint-Gilloise last season, having joined the Belgian side from Maccabi Haifa in 2024 for an initial €6.5 million.
His father believes the midfielder’s aggressive style and physicality secured the high-profile switch. “I believe this will not be his last major transfer,” Madji Khalaili told 103FM. “His strength and aggressive play brought him here.”
Upon completion, Khalaili will become Chivu’s first significant signing at the San Siro, filling the void left by Dumfries’s anticipated departure to Spain.