Israeli Defender Anan Khalaily Nears Five-Year Deal With Inter Milan

Anan Khalaily, a 21-year-old Israeli national team defender, is reportedly close to completing a high-profile transfer to Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Shira, Khalaily has agreed to personal terms with Inter, signing a contract until 2031 with an annual salary of 1.8 million euros. The remaining step is for Inter to finalize the transfer fee with his current club, Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

Khalaily concluded the 2025/26 season as one of Union Saint-Gilloise's standout players, transitioning successfully from an attacking winger to a versatile right-back. He made 46 appearances across all competitions, including 44 starts, accumulating nearly 3,800 minutes on the pitch. His statistics include six goals and five assists, with notable performances in the Belgian league and the UEFA Champions League, where he scored three goals in seven matches, including a brace against Marseille in December.

The transfer saga began earlier in the season, with Khalaily attracting interest from Newcastle United and Benfica. Napoli was the first club to make a serious offer, reportedly agreeing on a five-year contract with the player. However, negotiations stalled over the transfer fee, with Napoli offering between 18 and 20 million euros, while Union Saint-Gilloise demanded around 25 million euros. Inter Milan entered the race at the end of June, with reports highlighting Christian Kivou’s view of Khalaily as a key reinforcement for their right flank, especially after losing Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid in the summer.

If the transfer is completed, Khalaily will join Inter Milan as a promising young defender, expected to strengthen their squad depth and versatility on the right side of defense.