Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili in Record Israeli Transfer
Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the transfer market, sealing the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth a reported €24.5 million ($28 million).
The 21-year-old, who operates mainly from the right, has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the club confirming the move is “subject to international clearance.”
That fee, reported by British media, makes Khalaili the most expensive Israeli signing to date – a landmark figure attached to a player whose summer had seemed destined to unfold very differently.
From Inter’s medical blow to Palace’s opportunity
Only a month ago, Khalaili was on the brink of joining Inter Milan. The Italian giants had agreed a transfer, only for the move to fall apart when he was not granted medical clearance.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta explained at the time that the decision was taken out of 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 a press conference.
That door shut abruptly. Palace kicked another one open.
Inter’s loss, as the cliché goes, looks very much like Palace’s gain.
Khalaili’s first words and Palace’s pitch
Khalaili arrived in London talking like a player ready to turn the page.
“I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start,” he 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 Parish underlined how hard the club had pushed to get the deal done.
“We are very excited to have completed this signing and we are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace,” Parish said.
For a club that has built a reputation on smart recruitment and giving young attacking players room to grow, Khalaili fits the profile: quick, direct, and still with plenty of development ahead of him.
From Haifa to London via Brussels
Khalaili came through the ranks at hometown side Maccabi Haifa, where his performances as a teenager marked him out as one of Israel’s brightest prospects. His rise took him to Belgium earlier in 2024, when he joined Union Saint-Gilloise, a club that has become a launchpad for emerging talent.
The leap from Haifa to Brussels was significant. The jump from the Belgian league to the Premier League is something else entirely.
Internationally, Khalaili already has 16 caps for Israel, experience that should help him adapt to the intensity and scrutiny of English football.
Palace’s busy summer takes shape
Khalaili becomes Crystal Palace’s fifth signing of the summer window, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand in a refreshed squad.
It is a clear statement: Palace are not standing still. They are arming themselves with versatility, youth, and depth across the pitch.
Now the focus turns to how quickly Khalaili can clear the final administrative hurdle, pull on the shirt, and bring that right flank to life in the Premier League.
