Eyal Berkovich Calls Anan Khalaily Transfer Collapse a Sporting Tragedy and Suggests Possible Excuse

Eyal Berkovich, a prominent figure in Israeli football with a long career in England, spoke on 103FM about the failed transfer of Anan Khalaily from Union Saint-Gilloise to Inter Milan. The deal, valued at 25 million euros plus bonuses, would have made Khalaily the most expensive Israeli player ever. Berkovich described the collapse due to Khalaily failing a medical heart test as a "sporting tragedy," emphasizing the difficulty for a player to reach such a high level and then face this setback. He expressed sympathy for Khalaily, noting it will take time for him to recover.

Berkovich also speculated that the failed medical might have been used as an excuse to cancel the deal, possibly influenced by anti-Semitism, given Khalaily's Israeli nationality. However, he remained optimistic about Khalaily's future, suggesting that if he is truly a great talent, he will find an equally good opportunity elsewhere.

Additionally, Berkovich addressed the collapse of a separate deal to purchase the Israeli football club Hapoel Nof HaGalil. He explained that the parties failed to reach agreement on several contractual clauses and that he was uncertain about the club's debt levels. Regarding his brother Nir Berkovich, a successful coach currently without a team despite many coaching changes in Israeli football, Eyal expressed hope for his brother to secure a position and reaffirmed his love for Israeli football.