Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili in Record Deal
Crystal Palace have swooped for Anan Khalaili, sealing a deal with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise worth a reported 24.5 million euros ($28 million) to bring the highly rated Israel winger to the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, the club confirmed on Saturday, with the move still “subject to international clearance.” The fee, widely reported in Britain, makes Khalaili the most expensive Israeli player in history.
“I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start,” Khalaili said after completing the move. “I’ve followed the Premier League – it’s a new challenge for me – and I’ve followed Crystal Palace for a long time. I’m happy to be here.”
Palace chairman Steve Parrish underlined the club’s satisfaction at getting the deal done, saying: “We are very excited to have completed this signing and we are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace.”
The transfer arrives just weeks after a high-profile move to Inter Milan fell apart at the final hurdle. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta revealed last month that Khalaili had not been granted medical clearance to sign for the Serie A giants, despite an agreement between the clubs.
“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 walked away. Palace stepped in.
Khalaili, who primarily operates from the right flank, came through the ranks at hometown side Maccabi Haifa before heading to Belgium to join Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024. His rapid rise has carried him into the international arena as well, with 16 caps already for Israel.
He becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer window, following Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand, as the London club quietly rebuilds its squad with a blend of youth, versatility and top-flight experience.
For Khalaili, the journey now runs through Selhurst Park. For Palace, the question is simple: how quickly can their record Israeli signing turn promise into Premier League impact?
