Nottingham Forest’s latest attempt to bolster its defensive options ended in disappointment when Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise turned down a €20 million proposal. The offer, which comprised a guaranteed €17.5 million plus €2.5 million in add‑ons and a modest sell‑on clause, was swiftly rejected by the Belgian side, highlighting the gap between the club’s valuation and the player’s market price.
A Player on the Rise
Anan Khalaili, the 24‑year‑old Israeli wing‑back, had seemed on the cusp of a move to Inter Milan just weeks earlier, only for a medical‑clearance hiccup to scuttle the deal. His performances for Union Saint‑Gilloise — where he helped the team capture a league title after a 90‑year wait and contributed three goals in eight Champions League appearances — have drawn attention from several Premier League clubs.
Bournemouth and Newcastle United are among the other English clubs that have listed Khalaili among their summer targets, underscoring the player’s growing appeal across the top flight. Forest’s sporting director, however, remains focused on a specific profile: a right‑back who combines energy, discipline and pace, attributes that align with head coach Oliver Glasner’s tactical vision.
Glasner, who has already identified Neco Williams and Ola Aina as key figures in the full‑back department, also sees an opportunity to add depth behind the experienced Nicolo Savona, whose physical stature matches the coach’s preference for a more imposing presence on that flank.
Khalaili’s versatility — capable of operating as an attack‑minded right‑back or as a more defensive option — offers Forest the flexibility to rotate and compete across competitions, a factor that could prove decisive in a season where squad depth often separates contenders from mid‑table finishers.
With two years remaining on his current contract and an international cap tally of 16 for Israel, the player represents a blend of youthful dynamism and seasoned experience that could reinforce Forest’s backline while providing a platform for emerging talents.
The €20 million bid reflects Forest’s intent to signal ambition in the transfer market, yet the rejection underscores the challenges faced by clubs outside the traditional elite when trying to lure talent away from rising leagues. For Union Saint‑Gilloise, the refusal is a vindication of their growing stature, having secured a league title and European competition spots within a single season.
If Forest can eventually secure Khalaili’s signature, the acquisition would not only fill a tactical need but also mark a statement of intent as the club looks to rebuild around a blend of experience and emerging talent under Glasner’s guidance.