Why Union's €25m transfer collapse leaves a medical mystery

This Union transfer was poised to give the Brussels club a massive financial boost after buying the 21‑year‑old winger for €6.5 million in the summer of 2024. A €25 million fee plus bonuses would have been a landmark deal for Union SG.

The agreement with Inter Milan stipulated a €25 million payment and additional bonuses, representing a gigantic influx for the club. The figure dwarfed the original €6.5 million outlay Union made to acquire Anan Khalaili.

The deal unraveled during the medical phase in Italy, where the Italian National Olympic Committee’s tests flagged heart problems. According to Het , the issues were identified by the committee’s strict health screening.

Inter’s chief executive Giuseppe Marotta described the situation as force majeure, stressing it was not a rejection by Inter’s own medical staff. He clarified that the club could not proceed without the committee’s approval.

Union SG will conduct further examinations next week to pinpoint the exact cause of the failed test. The club said the player’s health now takes precedence over any transfer negotiations.

Italy’s rigorous medical standards mean a failed Italian clearance does not automatically block clearance in other leagues. Premier League clubs are already monitoring Khalaili’s situation for a possible future move.

Union SG posted a new announcement inviting supporters to receive notifications and sign up here, urging fans to become members of the club. The communication highlighted the club’s ongoing engagement with its supporters.

The dossier remains complex for Union, as the financial opportunity vanished while the player’s health assessment continues. Only after the additional tests can the club determine how quickly Khalaili’s transfer market prospects can be revisited.