Union SG’s Khalaili deal in doubt as Inter piles on pressure

Union SG’s potential €25 million deal for Anan Khalaili now faces fresh uncertainty after Inter Milan requested additional medical tests. The 21-year-old winger, who had appeared set to join the Italian club, must now undergo further examinations scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

The proposed transfer, reportedly agreed at around €25 million, now risks stalling as Inter Milan push for more scrutiny. Union SG had earlier finalised terms for a five-year contract, but no signature is expected in the coming days.

Sacha Tavolieri a new competitor has emerged unexpectedly in the race for Khalaili. Como has entered the fray with a loan proposal featuring a mandatory purchase option priced at €27 million, adding further pressure to Union SG’s negotiating position.

Union SG’s primary objective remains to secure the highest possible fee for Khalaili, who arrived from Maccabi Haifa for €6.5 million in 2022. The club now aims to recoup at least four times that amount, which would set a new club record for an outgoing transfer.

Inter Milan’s interest is framed around replacing Denzel Dumfries, who is linked with an exit. The Belgian club’s strategy appears to hinge on driving up the price by playing rival clubs against each other, including Tottenham Hotspur, now also reported as interested.

Union SG’s business model relies on recruiting players from less conventional leagues and selling them at a profit. Khalaili’s case fits that pattern, with his market value currently estimated at €18 million by Transfermarkt.

Khalaili still has two years left on his contract at Dudenpark with a one-year option, but personal terms with Napoli have reportedly been agreed. However, club-level agreement remains outstanding, leaving the door open for rival bids to emerge.

The bidding war could intensify further, with Union SG publicly aiming for more than €15 million. Multiple clubs are now engaged, and the club’s leverage in negotiations has strengthened as a result.

The coming days and weeks will reveal whether Union SG can finalise the move or if Inter Milan’s medical demands will derail the deal entirely.