Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Crystal Palace have moved quickly to turn another club’s hesitation into their own opportunity, completing the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Premier League side confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old has agreed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the deal still “subject to international clearance.” British reports value the transfer at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), a significant outlay for a player only a few months into his European career.

A month ago, Khalaili looked bound for Italy. Inter Milan had struck an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise, only for the move to collapse after the player was not granted medical clearance. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta addressed the situation publicly, stressing that the decision lay outside the club’s hands.

“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 operates mainly from the right flank, came through the ranks at hometown club Maccabi Haifa before his switch to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024. His rise has been swift: 16 caps already for Israel, and now a move into English football at 21.

He becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer window, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand. It is a clear statement of intent from a club intent on refreshing its squad with younger, high-upside talent.

Inter’s aborted deal left a question mark hanging over Khalaili’s future. Palace have given him a fresh stage and a long contract. The next verdict will come not from a medical panel, but from the Premier League.