Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili in Record Israeli Transfer

Crystal Palace have moved decisively to snap up Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, turning a failed transfer to Inter Milan into a headline arrival in South London.

The Premier League club confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract, pending international clearance. British reports put the fee at around €24.5 million ($28 million), a figure that would make Khalaili the most expensive Israeli player in history.

“I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start,” Khalaili said after sealing 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 the club’s delight at getting the deal done, saying they were “very excited to have completed this signing” and “delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace.”

From Inter rejection to Premier League stage

The transfer comes only a month after Inter president Giuseppe Marotta publicly revealed that Khalaili’s proposed move to the Italian giants had collapsed on medical grounds, despite an agreement between the clubs.

Marotta explained at the time that Khalaili had not been given medical clearance to join, stressing that “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.”

Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

For Khalaili, it is a rapid change of direction: from the brink of Serie A to a fresh start in England, where his pace and directness from the right flank will now be tested against Premier League defences instead.

Rapid rise from Haifa to Selhurst Park

Khalaili came through the ranks at hometown club Maccabi Haifa, one of Israeli football’s traditional powerhouses, before earning his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium in 2024. His performances there and on the international stage quickly drew attention across Europe.

Already capped 16 times by Israel, the winger arrives at Selhurst Park with senior international experience and the profile of a player on the rise rather than a finished article.

Palace, who have quietly rebuilt their squad this summer, see him as a key piece of that evolution. He becomes their fifth signing of the window, following Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand.

The South London club have not just added depth; they have added a statement signing in a position of attacking need. Now the question shifts from whether Khalaili would make it to one of Europe’s top leagues to how quickly he can ignite under the Selhurst Park lights.