Crystal Palace have announced the signing of 21-year-old Israel international Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, with multiple outlets reporting the move completed on a long-term contract and a fee in the region of £21m (reported by some sources as €24.5m).
- Crystal Palace have signed 21-year-old Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise on a multi-year deal, reported around £21m.
- Khalaili is a right-sided attacker who can play as a winger or wing-back and has won the Belgian league and cup with Union SG.
- Reported fee figures vary between outlets; final official financial details have not been published in a single source.
- Palace's signing adds depth ahead of Premier League and Europa League commitments; registration remains subject to international clearance.
What has been confirmed
Club statements and reporting indicate Palace have finalised a deal for Khalaili, who is described in coverage as a right-sided wing-back or winger. Reports say he has signed a five-year contract running to 2031, subject to the usual international clearance, and that the transfer fee is roughly £21m. Coverage also notes Palace completed medical procedures ahead of the formal registration.
Player profile and recent form
Sources report Khalaili developed at Maccabi Haifa before moving to Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2024. During his time in Belgium he was part of the Union side that won the Belgian Pro League title and later the Belgian Cup. Reporting states he made more than 50 appearances for Union, contributing goals and assists across those seasons and appearing in the champions League during the clubs campaign there.
Outlets list him as a versatile right-sided attacker capable of playing as a full-back or winger and record that he has been capped by Israel at senior level (reports cite around 16 international appearances).
Why the move matters for Palace
Crystal Palaces recruitment this summer has sought to add depth across the squad as the club prepares for Premier League and Europa League commitments. Media coverage frames Khalaili as the latest attacking addition to bolster the options available to manager Pierre Sage, joining other signings made by Palace during the same window.
Reports present the signing as a step to increase competition on the right flank and provide tactical flexibility — Khalailis ability to operate as both a winger and a wing-back is highlighted as relevant for domestic and continental fixtures.
Transfer context and reported numbers
While several outlets report the fee around £21m, some journalism cites figures nearer €24.5m (about $28m). Transfermarkts coverage adds that the deal, including reported add-ons, would make Khalaili Union Saint-Gilloises record sale and — by some accounts — the most expensive Israeli player ever. Those specific claims are drawn from media reporting and club statements; official clubs have provided basic confirmation of the transfer and contract length but typically do not publish final financial details.
Prior approaches and medical issue in Italy
Coverage notes Khalaili had attracted interest from a number of clubs in the past months. Reports say nottingham Forest and Inter Milan were previously close to deals; one outlet recorded a rejected offer from Forest in July. Several reports also recall that a proposed move to Inter broke down after Inters president said Khalaili did not receive medical clearance for registration in Italy. Media reporting presents that development as part of the background to Palaces eventual signing, but the Palace announcement does not detail any medical history.
Practical implications and what comes next
- Registration: Sources indicate Khalailis contract is subject to international clearance. Palace will complete registration with the Football Association and the Premier League before he is available for selection.
- Tactical integration: Reports point to Khalaili providing Pierre Sage with another right-sided attacking option who can also fill in as a wing-back. How quickly he secures regular minutes will depend on training adaptation and the managers selection priorities during a busy period of league and Europa League fixtures.
- Club records: Media reporting frames the transfer as a significant sale for Union Saint-Gilloise; outlets say it would surpass the clubs previous record transfer and could set an Israeli transfer record, subject to the final, published numbers.
Timeline of the move (reported)
- Summer 2024: Khalaili moves from Maccabi Haifa to Union Saint-Gilloise.
- 2024–26: Khalaili features regularly for Union, winning the Belgian league and cup and appearing in European competition.
- July 2026: Reports say Nottingham Forest had an offer turned down; Inter were also linked.
- August 2026: Palace complete the signing; reporting gives a five-year deal to 2031 and a fee reported at about £21m (some outlets state €24.5m).
What coverage disputes or leaves unclear
Sources agree on the broad outcome — Khalailis transfer to Crystal Palace — but differ on some details. The reported transfer fee varies between outlets (circa £21m vs. reports of €24.5m or €28m including add-ons). Some outlets state Palace confirmed the contract length; others report that paperwork remains subject to international clearance. There are also differing accounts over the role of a failed medical linked to Inters earlier attempt to sign the player; reporting cites Inters public comments but Palace has not issued detailed medical disclosures.
Bottom line
Crystal Palace have strengthened their right-side options by signing Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise on a multi-year deal, according to club announcements and multiple media reports. The 21-year-old arrives with a profile as a versatile wide attacker and recent experience winning domestic trophies and playing in European competition. Final financial terms and full registration details are reported but have not been published in a single, fully itemised official breakdown.
“We are very excited to have completed this signing and are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace.”
(The sentence above paraphrases wording reported in media coverage of Palaces announcement.)