Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Crystal Palace have moved quickly to turn another club’s setback into their own statement signing, landing Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a five-year deal.

The Premier League side confirmed the transfer on Saturday, with the agreement still “subject to international clearance.” British reports value the move at around 24.5 million euros ($28 million) — serious money for a 21-year-old who only left his homeland this year.

Just weeks ago, Khalaili seemed destined for Serie A. Inter Milan had struck a deal with Union Saint-Gilloise, only for the move to collapse after the player was not granted medical clearance in Italy.

“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.

Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

Khalaili, a right-sided winger who can stretch defenses and attack full-backs, came through at hometown club Maccabi Haifa before earning his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024. His rise has been sharp: 16 caps for Israel already, and now a long-term contract in the Premier League.

He becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand in a squad that is being steadily reshaped.

One deal collapsed under the weight of Italian regulations. Another has opened a door in south London. Now Khalaili’s next test comes in the unforgiving tempo of English football.