Crystal Palace Sign Anan Khalaili After Inter Milan Move Fails

Crystal Palace have moved decisively to snap up Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, turning Inter Milan’s disappointment into a major boost for Selhurst Park.

The Premier League club confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract, with the deal still “subject to international clearance.” British reports value the transfer at around 24.5 million euros ($28 million), a significant outlay for a player only a few months into his European club career.

For Palace, it’s a statement. For Khalaili, it’s a second chance.

From failed Inter medical to Premier League opportunity

Just weeks ago, Khalaili seemed destined for San Siro. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta even revealed that a transfer agreement had been in place before an independent medical ruling stopped the move in its tracks.

“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, confirming Khalaili had not been given medical clearance to join.

That door slammed shut. Palace opened another.

The London club have stepped in to secure a player who primarily operates off the right flank, one who arrives with top-level experience for both club and country despite his age.

Rapid rise from Haifa to London

Khalaili came through the ranks at hometown side Maccabi Haifa, where his talent first drew wider attention. In 2024 he made the jump to Belgium, joining Union Saint-Gilloise and adapting quickly enough to earn a high-profile move just months later.

On the international stage, he already has 16 caps for Israel, underlining his status as one of the country’s leading young attacking talents.

Palace have not just bought potential. They have bought a player already trusted at senior international level.

Palace’s busy summer takes shape

Khalaili becomes Crystal Palace’s fifth signing of the summer window, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand in a rebuilt squad.

Inter’s loss, as the cliché goes, looks very much like Palace’s gain. The question now is simple: how quickly can Khalaili turn that promise into Premier League impact?