Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town have all made attempts to sign Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili this summer.
The Israel international joined the Jupiler Pro League side from Maccabi Haifa in July 2024.
He was a regular over the last two seasons, managing eight goals and 11 assists from 99 matches, operating as a right wing-back.
His performances caught the attention of Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and several other clubs.
Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Belgium that Tottenham Hotspur are an option for the centre-back.
PL trio miss out on Khalaili
Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are in for a disappointment as he’s on his way to Inter Milan.
Anan Khalaili’s father, Majdi, has now confirmed his decision to pick the Serie A winners during an interview with Israel’s 103 FM.
Khalaili Sr. reveals the Premier League trio were keen and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise wanted to send the 21-year-old to England. Apart from these, other Italian clubs wanted to sign him.
“There were a lot of enquiries from teams. Now I’m revealing this to you because we can talk about it: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich, who put a €30m price tag on him to sign him, and he didn’t want to,” he said.
“The Belgians were a bit persistent with us, saying there was a high price tag. Then suddenly Cagliari, Atalanta, Napoli, and many other teams got involved.”
What convinced Inter Milan
Anan Khalaili played eight matches in the Champions League and Majdi says his form in Europe was key for Inter Milan to bet on him.
“What gave Inter the confidence to go all out for him was the Champions League, they saw him there. He finished second in tackles, second in ground and aerial duels, and second in clearances and key passes. He broke every record there,” Majdi explained.
The player’s father is delighted with his impending move to the San Siro.
“I come from the profession, so I don’t get excited that quickly. I had tears in my eyes when they told me there was a deal. This is the first time I’ve cried in my life. This kid made me cry,” he added.