Crystal Palace Set to Sign Israeli Midfielder Anan Khalaily for Record Fee

Israeli footballer Anan Khalaily is expected to sign with Crystal Palace from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise within the next 24 hours. The transfer fee is reported to be around 25 million euros, making Khalaily the most expensive Israeli player in history, surpassing Munas Dabbur. Khalaily, 21, had a challenging transfer window after a successful season in Belgium. He was close to joining Inter Milan for a similar fee, but the move collapsed due to a failed medical examination. Following that, several English clubs including Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Newcastle showed interest.

Khalaily began his career in the youth system of Maccabi Haifa and became a key player for their senior team. Last summer, he was sold to Union Saint-Gilloise for approximately 6.5 million euros. Now, just one year later, he is making a significant step up to the English Premier League, widely regarded as the world's top league. Crystal Palace is seen as a stable environment where Khalaily can gain valuable playing time, especially under coach Patrick Vieira, known for developing young talent.

Crystal Palace has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, winning the UEFA Conference League and the FA Cup, and will compete in the Europa League group stage this season. Khalaily's arrival is expected to strengthen their squad as they continue to build on their recent successes.