Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili After Inter Milan Move Falls Through

Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the transfer market, sealing a deal for Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after his high-profile move to Inter Milan fell through.

The Premier League club confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract, subject to international clearance. British reports value the transfer at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), a significant outlay that underlines how highly Palace rate the right-sided attacker.

Just weeks ago, Khalaili seemed destined for Serie A. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta even spoke publicly about an agreement between the clubs, only for the transfer to be blocked when the player did not receive medical clearance.

“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.

For the London club, it feels like an opportunity seized. Inter's loss, as the cliché goes, is Palace's gain.

Khalaili came through the ranks at hometown side Maccabi Haifa before earning his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024, where his form on the right flank drew attention across Europe. Already capped 16 times by Israel, he arrives in England with international experience and the profile of a player still far from his ceiling.

He becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, following Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand. It is a clear rebuild, a deliberate injection of energy and versatility.

Now the question hangs over Selhurst Park: can Khalaili turn a transfer twist in Milan into a breakout story in south London?