Crystal Palace Signs Young Talent Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise
Crystal Palace have landed one of Europe’s more intriguing young attackers, confirming the signing of Israel international Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise on a long-term deal running to 2031, for a reported £21m.
The 21-year-old arrives with a reputation for versatility and end product. Capped 16 times by his country, he can operate as a full-back or higher up as a winger, a profile that fits neatly with Palace’s growing tactical flexibility under Sage.
From Haifa prodigy to title winner
Khalaili first broke through at Maccabi Haifa, where his sharp movement and eye for goal quickly pushed him out of the “prospect” bracket. He scored 15 times in 52 appearances for the Israeli champions and helped them lift the 2023 Super Cup, marking himself out as one of the standout young talents in his domestic league.
Belgium accelerated that rise. At Union Saint-Gilloise he played his part in a historic run, helping the club finally end a 90-year wait for a league title in the 2024-25 season. The momentum didn’t stop there: last season brought the Belgian Cup, another piece of silverware on a CV that is growing fast for someone barely out of his teens.
“A new challenge” in South London
Now comes the Premier League. Speaking to the club’s official channels, Khalaili made it clear he has been eyeing this stage for some time.
"I have followed the Premier League for a long time, it's a new challenge for me," he said, embracing the step up rather than shying away from it.
Crystal Palace’s pull also mattered. He spoke with real fondness about the club’s identity and history, and he was not shy about his ambitions at Selhurst Park.
"And Crystal Palace I like, because I have followed them for a long time. They have deserved to win three trophies and I want to do more."
That line will resonate in the Holmesdale Stand. Palace have long been viewed as a club on the cusp; Khalaili is arriving to help turn promise into something more tangible.
Part of a bold Palace rebuild
This is not a scattergun signing. It slots into a clear, aggressive rebuild taking shape in South London as the hierarchy move to arm Sage with depth and variety across the pitch.
Khalaili becomes the club’s fifth arrival of the summer. At the back, Palace have already secured Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu on free transfers, adding composure and athleticism to the defensive unit.
Up front, the reshaping has been just as decisive. Dwight McNeil has come in via a swap deal that saw Brennan Johnson depart, giving Palace a different profile on the flank: a left-footed creator with Premier League experience. Evann Guessand has also returned on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, bolstering the forward line and offering another option through the middle.
Drop Khalaili into that mix and the picture sharpens. A title winner in Belgium, proven in Europe’s shop window, comfortable either bombing on from deep or attacking his full-back one-on-one. Palace are not just filling out a squad; they are assembling a group designed to compete on multiple fronts.
The question now is simple: how quickly can this new-look side turn ambition into the kind of trophies Khalaili has already made a habit of chasing?
