Serie A side Inter didn’t reap too many rewards in their signing of Luis Henrique last summer. He would have ideally solved the right wing-back problems but they are now set to bring in another wing-back option in Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili.
As perGianluca di Marzio, a move for the Israeli international is done. He will join the Italian champions for €25 million plus bonuses. This comes after initial offers were rejected but it also shows Inter’s desperation at getting the deal done.
But there are key reasons why he has been roped in.
Uncertainty about Luis Henrique
Denzel Dumfries has now finally joined Real Madrid and he isn’t the only wing-back who can leave Inter. Luis Henrique is back on Bournemouth’s radar and this will leave the Nerazzurri short down the right side. They did try to sign Joao Cancelo and Ivan Perisic in January but the efforts went in vain.
Khalaili represents a young option who has a lot of potential to grow and potentially even eclipse Dumfries’ best. Inter don’t spend this much fee on a player unless they are very sure and that is a good sign the USG star.
Player was desperate
For many weeks, Khalaili was being pursued by a host of clubs. Even English clubs joined the race but as soon as Inter joined the race, that is the club he wanted.
He also formally requested USG to let him leave, even skipping pre-season training. It became clear he would only have his way and this helped Inter swing things in their favour.
Stylistic fit
Khalaili started his career as a right-back, which shows that he is defensively adept. Over time, he has grown consistently in a wing-back role, thriving in carrying the ball forward.
That is the profile Inter badly needed. Dumfires was more of a receiver in the final third and Luis Henrique’s strengths of ball progression never rose to the fore.
Khalaili has a decent engine in him and is at an age where he will only grow.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN
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