Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili for Record $28 Million

Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the transfer market, sealing the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth around 24.5 million euros ($28 million).

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, the club confirmed on Saturday, with the agreement still “subject to international clearance.” The fee, widely reported in Britain, makes 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 completing 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 over the line, saying: “We are very excited to have completed this signing and we are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace.”

The transfer comes just weeks after a high-profile setback in Italy. Inter Milan had agreed a deal to sign Khalaili earlier in the summer, only for the move to collapse when the player was not granted medical clearance under Italian regulations.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta explained at the time that the club’s hands were tied. “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,” he said at a press conference.

Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

For Khalaili, it caps a rapid rise. Developed at hometown club Maccabi Haifa, the winger earned his move to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium in 2024 and quickly drew attention across Europe with his direct play from the right flank and eye for goal.

He already has 16 caps for Israel and now arrives in south London as part of a broader reshaping of the squad. Khalaili becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, following Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand.

A failed move to Serie A has turned into a record-breaking switch to the Premier League. Palace believe they have picked up a talent on the rise. The real verdict will come when Khalaili finally steps out at Selhurst Park and shows whether Inter’s loss really is Palace’s gain.