Crystal Palace have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Israeli international Anan Khalaili from Belgian club Union Saint Gilloise in a deal worth around £21 million, bringing an unexpected twist to the young winger’s summer transfer story.
The agreement between the two clubs has reportedly been reached, with Khalaili also agreeing personal terms on a long term contract. The 21 year old is now set for a move to the Premier League after his proposed transfer to Italian giants Inter Milan collapsed following a medical examination.
The Palace deal represents a significant opportunity for Khalaili, who has rapidly developed from a promising youngster in Israel into one of the most sought after attacking players in the Belgian league.
The reported £21 million fee, equivalent to approximately €24.5 million, would also make the transfer a record deal involving an Israeli footballer. Khalaili is understood to have agreed a five year contract with Crystal Palace, with an option for an additional season.
His arrival at Selhurst Park is expected to add greater versatility and pace to Palace’s right side. Although primarily regarded as a winger, Khalaili has increasingly demonstrated his ability to operate as a right wing back, giving his new club another option in both attacking and defensive situations.
Born in Haifa on September 3, 2004, Khalaili began his football education in his hometown before joining the academy of Maccabi Haifa, one of Israel’s most prominent clubs. He developed through the youth system and eventually made his senior breakthrough with the club.
His progress at Maccabi Haifa attracted attention beyond Israel, particularly after he started producing goals and impressive performances despite his young age. He made 30 senior appearances for Maccabi Haifa during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring eight goals before securing a move to Belgium.
Union Saint Gilloise signed Khalaili in 2024 for a reported €7.5 million, giving the youngster his first opportunity to establish himself in European football outside Israel.
The move proved important for his development.
At Union, Khalaili became increasingly comfortable playing in different positions on the right side. His pace, direct running and willingness to contribute defensively made him particularly useful in a system that demands considerable work from its wide players.
His versatility is one of the major reasons Palace have been attracted to him.
Available career statistics show that Khalaili has spent the majority of his time with Union operating as a right wing back, while also featuring as a right sided forward and occasionally as a striker. That tactical flexibility could prove valuable in the Premier League, where managers often require wide players to perform multiple roles during the same match.
Khalaili has also gained experience on the European stage. His time with Union included Champions League football, providing him with exposure to a level of competition considerably higher than the Belgian domestic league.
His development has also continued at international level.
Khalaili progressed through Israel’s youth teams before receiving his senior international opportunity in 2023. He has since become part of the country’s senior setup, adding international experience to his growing club career.
The Crystal Palace transfer comes after an unusual chapter involving Inter Milan.
Khalaili had been close to joining the Italian giants earlier in the summer, but the proposed move collapsed after he did not pass Inter’s medical examination. Reports linked the issue to the particularly strict medical requirements applied to players in Italian football.
Rather than allowing that setback to derail his career, Khalaili has now secured another opportunity at one of England’s most ambitious Premier League clubs.
Palace are understood to have carried out their own medical assessment before proceeding with the transfer. Reports indicate that the player completed his Palace medical successfully and agreed the terms of his contract.
The move could also have implications for Palace’s existing squad.
Khalaili’s ability to operate at right wing back provides competition for Daniel Muñoz, who has become an important part of the Palace setup. The Colombian defender is significantly older than Khalaili and has entered the later stages of his current contract, making the arrival of a younger alternative strategically important for the club.
For Crystal Palace, the signing represents another investment in a player with significant room for development.
Khalaili is still only 21, meaning Palace are not simply acquiring a player capable of contributing immediately. They are also investing in a footballer who could potentially become a major Premier League asset over the coming years.
The £21 million commitment demonstrates the club’s confidence in his ability to make the transition from Belgian football to England.
The Premier League will undoubtedly provide a much tougher test. The pace is faster, the physical demands are greater and defenders allow considerably less time and space on the ball.
Khalaili’s speed and attacking instincts could nevertheless make him well suited to English football. His experience as both a winger and wing back could also give Palace tactical flexibility depending on the opposition.
For the player himself, the move represents the biggest step of his career.
From the streets and youth football of Haifa to Maccabi Haifa, then Union Saint Gilloise and now the Premier League, Khalaili’s rise has been rapid.
The failed Inter Milan transfer could easily have become a major setback, but instead it appears to have opened another door.
Now, all eyes will be on Selhurst Park to see whether the young Israeli can translate his Belgian form and international experience into Premier League success.
If he adapts quickly, Palace could have secured one of the most intriguing young wide players in Europe for a significant but potentially valuable investment.
