Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise secures record transfer: Khalaili to Inter Milan for €32 million

Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise officially confirmed on 9 July 2026 that winger‑back Anan Khalaili will join Inter Milan for a total fee of €32 million, bonuses included. The deal makes Khalaili the most expensive outgoing transfer in the Brussels club’s history and places Union among the top five Belgian clubs by sale value.

What does the sale mean for Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise?

The €32 million Union receives is almost five times the €6.5 million paid to Maccabi Haïfa two years earlier for the same player. In addition to the immediate cash influx, the club secured a percentage of any future resale, boosting long‑term value. Financially, this is a massive boost to the budget, allowing investment in youth development and potential replacement signings.

How big is the gap on the right flank?

Khalaili, a regular right‑back since his 2024 arrival, has proven one of the league’s best in his position. His departure leaves a void Union must fill before the new season begins. The club is already eyeing young talent from its academy, but it is also scouting abroad for a player who can match Khalaili’s pace and defensive qualities.

Why was Inter Milan so keen?

After the sale of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli showed brief interest, but Inter got the green light. The Nerazzurri saw Khalaili as a direct replacement for the recently sold Dumfries, who moved to Real Madrid. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Inter, bonuses included, will pay nearly €32 million, making the deal attractive both financially and sportingly for both sides.

What lies ahead for Khalaili and Union?

Khalaili will compete in the Champions League with Inter Milan from the 2026‑27 season, a step he deemed necessary because the Belgian league was “too small” for his ambitions. For Union, this marks a period of restructuring; the club now needs a new right‑back while deploying the newly acquired funds to maintain its competitive standing in the Jupiler Pro League. The coming weeks will bring decisive moves on transfers and contract renewals.