Crystal Palace Signs Young Talent Khalaili for £21m

Crystal Palace have landed one of Europe’s more intriguing young attackers, confirming the signing of Israel international Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth a reported £21m.

The 21-year-old has signed a long-term contract at Selhurst Park running until 2031, a statement of faith from the South London club in a player whose rise has been rapid and relentless.

From Haifa prodigy to Belgian champion

Khalaili first broke through at Maccabi Haifa, where his blend of direct running and end product quickly turned heads. He struck 15 goals in 52 games for the Israeli giants and collected the 2023 Super Cup, marking himself out as one of the brightest prospects in his homeland.

His next step took him to Belgium and Union Saint-Gilloise, where his development accelerated again. Operating across the flank and deeper positions, he played his part in ending a 90-year wait for a league title in the 2024-25 season, then followed that up by lifting the Belgian Cup last term.

Sixteen caps for Israel have already come his way. The numbers, and the honours, explain why Palace were prepared to move decisively.

“A new challenge” in the Premier League

Now comes the real test: the Premier League.

"I have followed the Premier League for a long time, it's a new challenge for me," Khalaili told the club’s official website after sealing the move, sounding more excited than overawed.

He made no attempt to hide his affection for his new club either, speaking with the conviction of someone who believes he belongs on this stage.

"And Crystal Palace I like, because I have followed them for a long time. They have deserved to win three trophies and I want to do more."

Versatile enough to operate as a full-back or a winger, he offers tactical flexibility and energy on both sides of the ball, the sort of profile that can reshape a manager’s options in an instant.

Palace’s rebuild gathers pace

This is not a one-off splash. It is part of a clear, calculated rebuild.

Khalaili becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, as the club’s hierarchy arms Sage with a deeper, more adaptable squad to attack the season on multiple fronts.

At the back, Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu have arrived on free transfers, adding experience and composure to the defensive line. Up front, Dwight McNeil has joined in a swap deal that saw Brennan Johnson depart, while Evann Guessand is back for another season-long loan from Aston Villa to reinforce the attacking rotation.

Piece by piece, the squad is being reshaped.

Now a 21-year-old with a league title, a cup win and international experience steps into Selhurst Park, talking openly about trophies. The question is no longer whether Crystal Palace are building — it is how far this new-look side can push the ceiling.