Who is Anan Khalaili, Inter’s first signing of the transfer window?

Inter has signed Denzel Dumfries’ successor. The Nerazzurri have finally reached an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise for Anan Khalaili, an Israeli right winger ready to make the leap to a major European club. The Nerazzurri reached an agreement with the Belgian club by raising their offer to 25 million euros plus bonuses, after an initial rejection from the Jupiter League side. Following the latest round of talks, the deal was given the green light, breaking the deadlock that had persisted for the past few weeks.

Khalaili is expected to arrive in Italy in the coming days for his medical exams, after which he will join the rest of the Nerazzurri squad for the start of summer training. A five-year contract worth 2.2 million euros per year is already waiting for him. The right-back, born in 2004, was born in Haifa to an Arab-Israeli family; he’s following in his father’s footsteps—his father, Majdi, was a goalkeeper. He is a versatile player, capable of playing as a defensive wingback, in midfield, or as a right winger.

He came up through the Maccabi Haifa youth system, where he made his professional debut, before moving to Belgium in 2004. With Union Saint-Gilloise, he won a Belgian league title, a Belgian Cup, and a Super Cup; last season, he played in 52 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists. He has 16 caps with the Israeli national team.

Before turning their attention to Khalaili, Inter’s management had long been pursuing Marco Palestra, an Atalanta fullback who played for Cagliari last season. The 21-year-old had been the top target for the flanks in Chivu’s 3-5-2 formation, before Chelsea’s intervention—and in particular, direct contact with new coach Xabi Alonso—convinced the player to choose the Premier League in a deal worth approximately fifty million euros. This disappointment prompted Marotta and Ausilio to step up their search for the right player.

Tactically speaking, Khalaili fits perfectly into the Nerazzurri’s system: the young Israeli has already played as a winger in a 3-5-2 formation in both the Belgian league and the Champions League, proving his ability to effectively contribute in both phases of play. His versatility, combined with his ability to beat defenders and his precision on crosses, makes him an ideal solution for Inter’s right flank.