Khalaili's Father: Chivu Took the Initiative for Inter, Ipswich Town Offered €30m

Anan Khalaili's father has disclosed that Cristian Chivu "took the initiative" to facilitate a transfer to Inter Milan. This comes after Ipswich Town reportedly submitted a €30 million offer, while Napoli's proposal was deemed insufficient by Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Israeli international appears poised to join Inter, likely to fill the right-sided midfield role vacated by Denzel Dumfries, who is set to join Real Madrid. This move follows intensive negotiations.

Multiple reports indicate that a deal has been finalized for €25 million, with potential add-ons to reach the €30 million valuation. Additionally, Khalaili's first club, Maccabi Haifa, will receive a 15% sell-on fee.

Madji Khalaili, the player's father and a former professional footballer, shared insights into the situation in an interview with 103FM.

Khalaili Ready for Inter Medical

"I stated I wouldn't speak until everything was settled. He will sign and then fly from Brussels to Milan the day after tomorrow via a private jet provided for him," the player's father confirmed.

"What we've experienced over the past two to three weeks has been surreal. Yet, I've never seen anyone so calm. I called him after the negotiations concluded, and he was asleep. I told him it was all done, and he simply responded, 'Really? Wow.' That's just how my son is."

While earlier reports suggested Napoli had reached personal terms with the player, they had not agreed to Union Saint-Gilloise's demands. Khalaili's father confirmed the involvement of numerous other clubs.

"We received interest from Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich Town, who submitted an offer of €30 million. Cagliari, Atalanta, and Napoli were also in the running.

"It's true that Napoli made the first formal offer, but it was significantly short of what the Belgian club was requesting."

Khalaili was convinced that Inter was the correct destination for him after a direct conversation with coach Chivu.

"We had a difficult week; Anan nearly missed some training sessions, and the negotiations were on the verge of collapse. Cristian Chivu took the initiative to call him personally from Miami, assuring him that he would be the primary choice for that position.

"What truly convinced Inter to pursue him were his Champions League statistics. I am confident that this will not be the final major move of his career; his strength and aggressive style of play are what have brought him this far."

Khalaili will turn 22 in September. Union Saint-Gilloise had acquired him from Maccabi Haifa for €6.5 million in 2024.

Last season, he scored three goals in just eight Champions League appearances for the Belgian club.