Israeli Football's Record Transfer to Inter Milan Collapses After Medical Failure

A dramatic development has unfolded in Israeli and Italian football as Anan Khalaily's record-breaking transfer to Inter Milan has been canceled. The 21-year-old Israeli forward, currently playing for Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, was set to join the Italian champions for a historic fee of around 25 million euros, the highest ever paid for an Israeli player. However, the deal fell through after Khalaily failed the comprehensive medical examinations required due to a congenital heart condition detected in initial tests.

The transfer was expected to be finalized last week, but routine medical checks revealed the heart issue, prompting Italian authorities to demand further tests. Despite undergoing these additional evaluations, the Italian Ministry of Health did not approve Khalaily's medical clearance, effectively closing the door on any move to Inter or any other Italian club, as similar medical standards apply across the country.

Khalaily will now return to Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has been a key player, winning the Belgian Super Cup, league title, and cup. He previously rose through the ranks at Maccabi Haifa and gained attention after Israel's third-place finish at the 2023 Mondialito tournament. Last summer, he attracted interest from top clubs including Napoli and Tottenham but chose Inter, partly because they planned to sell Denzel Dumfries, who plays in a similar position.

While this setback halts his Italian ambitions, Khalaily may still be transferred to a club in another country. His transfer to Inter would have set a new record for an Israeli player’s transfer fee, but that milestone will have to wait or be achieved elsewhere.