Napoli President Reportedly Prefers Anan Khalaili Over Dodo

Napoli are still strongly pursuing Anan Khalaili, and Italian reports on Monday said club president Aurelio De Laurentiis prefers the Israeli winger over Fiorentina defender Dodo. The transfer talks with Union Saint-Gilloise remain difficult, after Belgian reports last week said negotiations were on the verge of collapse because the Belgian vice-champions wanted about 25 million euros for Khalaili.

Napoli consider that price too high, but they have not dropped the player. Alongside Dodo, the club has explored other options to strengthen the squad, yet journalist Pasquale Tina of Radio Marte said Napoli still view Khalaili as a strategic long-term investment. He said Dodo is a completely different profile, while Khalaili is younger and could be sold for a significant profit in two or three years.

Tina added that Dodo will turn 28 in a few months, making a future resale harder, while Napoli prefer a younger signing for strategic reasons. The report says De Laurentiis himself favors Khalaili.

Italian coverage also highlights Khalaili’s versatility. He has played not only as a wingback or winger, but also as a central striker and attacking wide player. Some analysts believe he fits better in an attacking role than as a fullback in a back four, but Napoli reportedly disagree and think he can cover the entire right flank, including defensive duties. The report says coach-in-waiting Massimiliano Allegri values players who can fit multiple systems, including 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and a three-center-back setup, making Khalaili potentially especially useful.