Crystal Palace Sign Anan Khalaili for 24.5 Million Euros

Crystal Palace have moved quickly to seize an opportunity others walked away from, confirming the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who operates mainly off the right flank, has agreed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the deal still “subject to international clearance,” the club said. British reports value the transfer at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), a significant outlay for a player still at the start of his Premier League journey.

This is a transfer with a backstory. Only weeks ago, Khalaili seemed bound for Inter Milan. The Italian club had reached an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise, only for the move to collapse when he was not granted medical clearance.

“Italy has very strict legislation protecting players’ health, with decisions made by an independent body rather than the club’s medical staff. We have to abide by this decision,” Marotta said at the time.

Inter stepped away. Palace stepped in.

Khalaili arrives in south London after a rapid rise. He came through the ranks at hometown club Maccabi Haifa, earning his breakthrough there before securing a move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024. That short spell in Belgium has now fast-tracked him into the Premier League.

Already a full international, Khalaili has 16 caps for Israel and brings experience on the biggest stages his country can offer, despite his age.

He becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer window, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand in a reshaped squad. It is a clear statement of intent: younger, more dynamic, and with serious investment on the flanks.

Inter’s loss, as the saying goes, could yet define Palace’s season.