Official: Khalaili failed medical, Inter €30m deal is off

Inter President Beppe Marotta has confirmed that Anan Khalaili failed his medical with the Italian authorities, so the €30m move from Union Saint-Gilloise is off. ‘The rules are very strict.’

The transfer had been agreed for €25m plus add-ons, and the Israel international underwent his regular club tests with no problems.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy battles for possession with Anan Khalaili of Israel during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

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However, before joining an Italian club, he also needed to go through the strict CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) medical stress tests, and these flagged irregularities.

The player underwent another day of testing today, but although more were expected tomorrow, Inter President Marotta announced during this afternoon’s press conference that the decision had already been made.

Khalaili cannot play in Serie A

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 01: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Newcastle United FC at RSC Anderlecht Stadium on October 01, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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“We had negotiated the purchase of Khalaili, but he failed the medical tests, the CONI just informed us and I wanted to let you all know,” said Marotta.

“In Italy there are very strict rules on medical tests, so it is not a choice made by the club, we simply have to accept it, because this is about looking after the health of the player.

“When the CONI don’t give the certificate, he is not allowed to participate in any official sporting event in Italy.

“It’s sad, because we had carried on the negotiations with great effort, but now unfortunately we will have to think about an alternative.”

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 14: Anan Khalaili of Union Saint-Gilloise lifts the trophy following his teams 3-1 win in the Coupe de Belgique Final match between Union Saint-Gilloise and RSC Anderlecht at Stade Roi Baudouin on May 14, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

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The stress tests largely focus on cardiology, so when Khalaili returns to Union Saint-Gilloise, he will have to deal with the medical staff there on any required treatment.

Italian rules are extremely strict, to the degree that players with an implanted defibrillator like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen have been forced to continue their careers outside of Serie A.

Khalaili was set to be the replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid for the €20m release clause in his contract.

“Dumfries preferred to conclude his career at a prestigious club like Real Madrid, so we had to find a substitute. Some of the fees going around are crazy, which make Italian football a mere spectator compared to the role we had in the past,” added Marotta.

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