Khalaili prayer after dream Inter move ruined by failed medical | OneFootball

Anan Khalaili looked to the Quran for guidance after his Inter dream move was shattered by a failed medical, as irregularities were discovered.

The Arab-Israeli player had been in Italy since last week undergoing various tests, including those at club level, to complete the €30m transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise.

Why Khalaili move was blocked

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)

However, every athlete who comes to compete for an Italian side must also receive a certificate of health from the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee), and these are far more stringent than in other countries.

They include cardiac stress tests, and irregularities were spotted that meant Khalaili would not be given permission to work in Italian football.

Now he will return to Union Saint-Gilloise for further examinations, to see if any treatment or further investigation is required.

Khalaili broke his silence with an Instagram Stories showing him in prayer, with a verse from the Quran.

“Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you.”

Anan Khalaili in prayer after failed Inter medical (Instagram Stories)

The rest of the verse notes that “Allah knows and you do not know,” so he is hoping that God has a plan for this twist in his life and career.

WATFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Edoardo Bove of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford and Sheffield United at Vicarage Road on April 18, 2026 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Italian rules on these fitness tests are extremely strict, which is why players like Edoardo Bove and Christian Eriksen were forced to leave Serie A to continue their careers elsewhere.

Other leagues would allow for players to have implanted defibrillators, but the Italian legislation does not.