Crystal Palace Sign Anan Khalaili for Record Fee

Crystal Palace have turned a collapsed Italian transfer into a major Premier League coup, sealing the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth around €24.5 million ($28 million).

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, subject to international clearance, and becomes the most expensive Israeli footballer in history, according to British reports.

“I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start,” Khalaili said after completing the move.

He spoke of a long-standing interest in English football and his new club. “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 hailed the capture of one of Europe’s most talked-about young wide players. “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.

The transfer comes only weeks after Khalaili’s proposed move to Inter Milan dramatically fell apart at the final hurdle. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta revealed at a press conference that, despite an agreement between the clubs, the player was not granted medical clearance under Italian regulations.

“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 decision closed one door and flung another wide open. Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

Khalaili, who operates mainly from the right flank, rose through the ranks at hometown club Maccabi Haifa before earning his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024, where his performances quickly drew attention across Europe. On the international stage he has already collected 16 caps for Israel, underlining his rapid rise.

At Selhurst Park he joins a reshaped squad being quietly but decisively rebuilt this summer. Khalaili is Palace’s fifth signing of the window, following the arrivals of Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand.

A month ago, Khalaili was preparing for life in Serie A. Instead, he now walks into the intensity of the Premier League, a record signing for his country and a statement investment for a club intent on pushing beyond mid-table. The question now is simple: how quickly can he turn that promise into end product in South London?