Newcastle United and Ipswich Town may have contrasting goals, but they are both in the same position when it comes to reinforcements.
After being picked apart by Europe’s elite, the Magpies desperately need additions of their own this summer. They cannot afford to get things wrong for a second summer on the bounce.
Ipswich, meanwhile, have a similar desperation. Get things wrong and relegation will be inevitable. And that similar feeling has seen both clubs meet in the market in pursuit of Anan Khalaili.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
There’s no longer any doubt that Khalaili’s on the move this summer. His father has confirmed as much, whilst revealing approaches from Ipswich and Newcastle United. Unfortunately for them, however, it looks like Inter Milan are in pole position. |
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Finances |
In terms of valuation, Ipswich and Newcastle both submitted offers worth €30m (£26m), only for the winger to turn down the chance to move to the Premier League. |
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Scouting |
It’s no surprise that a team of Inter’s stature joined Ipswich and Newcastle in the race. Khalaili is still just 21 years old and was involved in eight goals for Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last season. |
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Impact |
If Inter win the race for the winger as expected, then the Premier League duo will be left scrambling for alternative options this summer. Just who they turn to next is the big question. |
Khalaili’s father has now made his son’s next destination public in a direct response to Newcastle and Ipswich.
In an interview relayed by Sport Witness, Khalaili’s father confirmed that his son is set to join Inter Milan in a major blow for Newcastle and Ipswich.
“There were a lot of enquiries from teams. Now I’m revealing this to you because we can talk about it: Newcastle, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich, who put a €30m price tag on him to sign him, and he didn’t want to.”
After rejecting the Premier League clubs, Khalaili chose a move to the San Siro, which is expected to be completed this summer ahead of next season.
Ipswich must target Khalaili alternatives
It’s not easy being a promoted side in the Premier League. The vultures can quickly swoop and send clubs straight back to the Championship. Over the last 12 months, however, Leeds United and Sunderland provided two blueprints on how to survive the top flight – blueprints that Ipswich must follow.
They’ve already splashed the cash once to welcome Toulouse attacker Emersonn, but that must not be the end of their spending. Even after missing out on Khalaili, the Tractor Boys must go again and find an alternative attacker. That’s the key to survival.
