As reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, Israel international Anan Khalaili has been identified by Napoli as a long-term solution for their right-side troubles.
Having started out as a fullback, Khalaili has emerged as a right midfielder capable of playing up the pitch in attacking phases in a back-three setup at Union Saint-Gilloise.
The 21-year-old has hit double digits in terms of goal contributions for this season in 48 appearances across all competitions, having been a mainstay in the USG midfield on the right, having also made sporadic appearances off the left.
The Maccabi Haifa academy graduate is about to complete his second season at the Joseph Marien Stadium, having moved to Brussels from Maccabi Haifa two summers ago for €6.5 million. He still has two years remaining on his contract with Union.
Napoli’s right-sided conundrum
For years, Napoli have been relying on Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Matteo Politano to deliver on the right flank, and more of than not the two have delivered diligently.
This year, however, the recently dethroned Serie A champions have been reminded that they cannot expect their veteran stalwarts to be present on the right forever.
For starters, they’re both 32, due for contract talks in two years’ time. Moreover, both have had injury struggles this term.
Politano has had to deal with thigh and gluteal muscle issues as well as a hamstring injury this season, and even though he has been a left-footed right-winger for the majority of his career, this season he ably deputised as a right-wingback on the right and managed 42 appearances despite the injuries.
Lorenzo, meanwhile, has played ten fewer games and has just returned from a three-month lay-off due to a knee injury.
Their age and recent injury issues have made it clear to Napoli that they need fresh blood, and Anan Khalaili fits the bill nicely. He’s young, relatively new on the European scene, will be available at an affordable price, and will not demand an exorbitant contract. Moreover, having a third option will allow Napoli to manage Lorenzo and Politano’s game time as well as open them up to play more defensive and attacking roles, respectively.
While mathematically Napoli could still lose out on Champions League football, such misfortune looks unlikely this close to the end of the season. Playing in Europe’s premier competition will give them plenty of leverage in the transfer market, especially when it comes to rivalling mid-table Premier League clubs.
Regardless of the coach who helms the team next season, Napoli do need more legs on the right side of the pitch.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
