Nottingham Forest make €20m offer for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s Anan Khalaili
Nottingham Forest have had an offer of €20m for Anan Khalaili rejected by Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Khalaili, 21, a right-sided wing-back or winger, had previously agreed a deal with Inter Milan in the middle of July, only for that agreement to fall apart at the last minute after the player failed to receive necessary medical clearance.
Bournemouth and Newcastle have also shown interest in the Israeli international this summer.
Forest’s offer of a guaranteed €17.5m, plus a further €2.5m in performance and appearance-related bonuses and a small sell-on fee falls some way short of the €28m package that was agreed by Inter two weeks ago and the Belgian club are expected to insist on a similar fee.
Khalaili joined RUSG in the summer of 2024 for €6.5m from Maccabi Haifa. He was part of the side that won the Belgian league title at the end of his first season, ending a 90-year drought for the club, and was then part of the squad that competed in the Champions League the following year, scoring three times in eight appearances.
Khalaili, who has made 16 appearances for the Israel national team, has two years remaining on a contract that runs until 2028.
Analysis
Analysis by The Athletic’s Paul Taylor
Oliver Glasner wants his wingbacks to have a real engine; the ability to get up and down the flank with serious energy and discipline. Pace would also be a very useful asset for those asked to play in the wingback role under the former Crystal Palace head coach.
Glasner also wants to add some physical size and stature to a squad he believes is lacking a little height – and, while he is no giant, Khalaili is 6ft and is taller than some of Forest’s other wingback options.
Khalaili is an intelligent, versatile player who can operate in a number of positions – but who particularly thrives as a right-sided wingback. He is an attack-minded, forward-thinking player who also possesses defensive intensity.
Glasner wants his wingbacks to have a real engine (Photo: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Khalaili turns 22 in September, but is still a player with the potential to improve in stature and value, with the benefit of Premier League experience.
Over the last few seasons, Neco Williams and Ola Aina have evolved into key figures in the full-back position for Forest. The duo are among the side’s most consistent, reliable performers – and both have the attributes to slot in at wingback comfortably.
Forest also have Luca Netz as their only naturally left-footed full-back, who they believe has the potential to improve with experience.
Nicolo Savona possesses the physical size and stature that Glasner would like to see added to the Forest side. But the Italian is also still recovering from the knee injury that finished his season. Khalaili would add competition and cover in a key position under Glasner.