Inter Nears Historic Signing of Israeli Defender Anan Halaily from Union Saint-Gilloise

Israeli defender Anan Halaily is on the verge of transferring to Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan, with reports indicating the deal could be finalized this week. Union Saint-Gilloise, Halaily's current Belgian club, played a friendly match without him to avoid risking injury ahead of the transfer. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Shira, Inter is set to pay 20 million euros to Union Saint-Gilloise, less than the club's initial 25 million euro asking price. The gap is expected to be bridged through bonuses and future resale percentages.

Halaily has already agreed to personal terms with Inter, signing a contract until 2031 with an annual salary of 1.8 million euros, contingent on the transfer's completion. This offer surpasses Napoli's previous proposal of 1.5 million euros per season. If completed, this transfer would break the record for the highest fee ever paid for an Israeli player, surpassing Sevilla's 17 million euro signing of Munas Dabbur in 2019.

Halaily is expected to replace Denzel Dumfries, who recently moved to Real Madrid, and will compete for playing time on the wing in Inter's three-center-back formation, alongside Brazilian Luis Henrique. The 22-year-old joined Union Saint-Gilloise in summer 2024 for 6.5 million euros and last season played 52 matches, scoring six goals and providing six assists.