Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili for €24.5 Million

Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the transfer market, sealing a deal for highly rated Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a move worth a reported €24.5 million ($28 million).

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the club confirming the agreement is “subject to international clearance.” The fee, widely reported in British media, makes him the most expensive Israeli signing to date.

A Month After Inter Collapse, Palace Step In

Just a few weeks ago, Khalaili seemed destined for Serie A. Inter Milan had agreed a transfer, only for the move to collapse when the player was not granted medical clearance under Italy’s strict health regulations.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta explained at the time that the decision had been taken by an independent body, not the club’s own medical staff, stressing that Italian law leaves no room for negotiation on such matters.

That door closed. Palace kicked another one open.

“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.”

From Haifa to South London

Khalaili came through the ranks at hometown club Maccabi Haifa before earning his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024, where his direct running and work on the right flank quickly drew attention from bigger leagues.

His rise has mirrored his progress on the international stage. Khalaili already has 16 caps for Israel, underlining the level of expectation that now follows him into the Premier League.

Palace chairman Steve Parish made no attempt to hide the club’s satisfaction at getting 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,” he said.

A New Look Palace Takes Shape

Khalaili becomes the fifth arrival of a busy summer in south London, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand as the club reshapes its squad for the new campaign.

For Palace, it is a statement of intent: significant money spent on a 21-year-old winger who has already attracted elite-level interest. For Khalaili, it is the Premier League stage he has long watched from afar.

Inter walked away. Palace did not. Now the question is simple: how far can this move take both player and club?