Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili for €24.5 Million

Crystal Palace have moved quickly to seize an opportunity others let slip, confirming the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who operates mainly off the right flank, has agreed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the deal still 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 youngster.

This is a transfer with a backstory. Just weeks ago, Khalaili appeared bound for Inter Milan, only for the move to collapse at the final stage. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta revealed at a press conference that, despite an agreement between the clubs, Khalaili had not been granted medical clearance to join.

"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 stepped away. Palace stepped in.

Born and developed at Maccabi Haifa, Khalaili rose through the ranks at his hometown club before earning a move to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium in 2024. His rise has been rapid, his ceiling high enough for top European clubs to circle before Palace made their move.

Already a full international, Khalaili has 16 caps for Israel and arrives in south London with experience that belies his age. His direct running, preference for the right side and willingness to attack defenders should add a different dimension to Palace’s wide options.

He becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer window, joining Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand in a reshaped squad.

Inter’s aborted deal left a question mark hanging over Khalaili’s next step. Palace have given him the answer.