Anan Khalaili’s Champions League performances analysed as Newcastle eye move

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move to sign Union Saint-Gilloise star Anan Khalaili this summer to bolster their attacking options.

Eddie Howe needs to add quality and depth to his squad this summer following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

Newcastle have already sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for a hefty fee, while Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga have both been linked with moves away.

The Athletic have claimed that USG winger Anan Khalaili is someone on their radar after a strong season out in Belgium.

Khalaili was particularly impressive in the Champions League last term, which will interest Newcastle as their long-term aim is to regularly compete in UEFA's top club competition.

He is also believed to be on Tottenham's transfer shortlist as a big-money move is touted this summer.

The 21-year-old is a fully-fledged international for Israel and has featured in the Champions League for USG and Maccabi Haifa up to now.

Khalaili started his career with Maccabi Haifa and registered 15 goals and six assists in 52 games throughout 2023-24, his debut first-team season.

He made his first foray into the UCL that year, with one goal in six appearances as Haifa reached the last qualifying round.

His first goal in the competition came on his debut against Hamrun Spartans, and it took another two years for him to feature in the Champions League again.

USG qualified for the league stage last season by winning the 2024-25 Pro League title, and Khalaili impressed in his first appearance in the competition proper.

He helped Saint-Gilloise beat PSV 3-1 from right-back, with one chance created, six passes into the final third and three of four aerial duels won.

The 21-year-old put a strong showing in against Newcastle on 1 October, despite a 4-0 loss, with two chances created, two fouls drawn and five of six ground duels won.

He bagged a brace against Marseille in December from right wing-back, as he also created the most chances of any player (3) and had the highest top speed (32.6km/h).

Khalaili went on to score another UCL goal, with the winner against Atalanta in January as he completed two successful dribbles and made six recoveries.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Eddie Howe's job could be in danger if key players leave and Newcastle struggle at the start of next term.

He looks to be accelerating moves for several wingers in the coming weeks, with Real Betis' Abde Ezzalzouli also linked to St James' Park.

Spanish starlet Victor Munoz is also a reported target for the Magpies after he registered 12 goal contributions for Osasuna last season and scored on his Spain debut in March.