Inter Awaits Medical Clearance for Israeli Winger Halaily Amid Backup Plans

Israeli winger Anan Halaily is awaiting final medical approval to complete his transfer to Inter Milan. Halaily has undergone orthopedic and trauma examinations at Humanitas Hospital in Milan and a comprehensive cardiopulmonary evaluation at the Italian Olympic Committee's sports medicine institute (CONI). CONI requested additional tests, expected to be completed today, after which medical staff and Inter will review the findings. The final decision on Halaily's fitness and transfer could come today or be postponed until Tuesday.

Italian sources highlight that CONI's medical protocols are stricter than those in other European countries. For example, in Belgium, Halaily faced no restrictions playing for Union Saint-Gilloise and could return there without limitations if the Inter deal falls through. However, Inter is reportedly preparing alternative options to strengthen their right flank. According to TuttoMercato, Strasbourg's right-back Ghislain Konan is the leading candidate should Halaily's transfer not materialize.

Inter has reopened their search for a right-side player before CONI's final ruling on Halaily, aiming to avoid uncertainty after losing out on Marco Plescia earlier this summer. Konan, 24, the Ivorian defender and brother of Desiree Konan, impressed Inter with his World Cup performance and fits coach Christian Kibu's tactical approach. Unlike Halaily or Plescia, Konan is a natural right-back with a more defensive style. The main obstacle is his price tag, with Strasbourg demanding over 25 million euros, exceeding Inter's budget for Halaily. Additionally, Inter is monitoring three other alternatives: Dodo from Fiorentina, Brock Norton-Cuffy from Genoa, and Algerian Rafik Belghali from Verona.