Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili in Record Deal

Crystal Palace have stepped into the space Inter Milan left behind and moved decisively for Anan Khalaili, completing a deal that makes the 21-year-old Israel winger the most expensive Israeli signing in history.

The Premier League club announced on Saturday that Khalaili has signed a five-year contract after agreeing a fee with Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The move is subject to international clearance, but Palace have their man.

British reports put the fee at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), a significant outlay for a player who only left Maccabi Haifa for Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024 and has just begun to establish himself in Europe.

Khalaili, who operates mainly from the right flank, did not hide his excitement.

“I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start,” he said. “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.”

At Selhurst Park, the feeling is mutual. Palace chairman Steve Parrish hailed the deal, stressing the club’s belief that the winger can grow in south London.

“We are very excited to have completed this signing and we are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace,” Parrish said.

The signing comes only weeks after Khalaili’s high-profile move to Inter Milan collapsed at the final hurdle. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta revealed last month that, despite an agreement between the clubs, the player had not been granted medical clearance to join.

“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 explained at the time.

That ruling shut one door and opened another. Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

For Khalaili, the path has run from his hometown club Maccabi Haifa, where he came through the ranks, to Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, and now to English football’s top tier. For Israel, it means one of their brightest attacking talents will test himself weekly in the Premier League; he already has 16 senior caps to his name.

Palace, meanwhile, continue to reshape their squad. Khalaili becomes their fifth signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand.

A collapsed move to one European giant, a record fee, and a fresh start in London: Khalaili’s story has turned sharply in a matter of weeks. The next chapter will be written under the Selhurst Park floodlights.