Crystal Palace Signs Israeli Anan Khalaily After Supportive Stance on October 7 Attacks

Crystal Palace, a modest English Premier League club known for its loyal fanbase and recent successes, has signed Israeli winger Anan Khalaily from Union Saint-Gilloise for 28 million euros, making him the most expensive Israeli footballer ever. The transfer marks a significant step for Khalaily, who joins a club on the rise after winning the FA Cup in May 2025 and the UEFA Conference League in 2026, achievements that transformed Palace from a mid-table team to a trophy-winning side.

The club gained attention for its clear and direct statement on October 13, 2023, just days after the October 7 Hamas attacks, explicitly condemning the terrorist acts that killed or kidnapped over a thousand Israeli civilians. Unlike many English football organizations that used vague language, Crystal Palace openly named Hamas as the perpetrators and honored the victims with black armbands, a minute of silence, and Israeli flags displayed by fans during a match against Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park.

Selhurst Park, Palace’s 102-year-old stadium with a capacity of about 26,000, is known for its authentic atmosphere and passionate supporters. The club has a history of financial struggles and relegations but has stabilized in recent years under manager Oliver Glasner. Palace has become a notable developer of talent, exemplified by the recent 53 million euro sale of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.

Khalaily’s signing also ends a nearly 30-year absence of Israeli players at the club, following Itzik Zohar’s brief and challenging stint in 1997. The club’s ownership includes Jewish-American billionaire Josh Harris, who has personal ties to Israel and philanthropic involvement there. Harris, along with partners David Blitzer and Woody Johnson, may consider selling their stakes, but Palace remains a club accustomed to uncertainty and resilience.

Khalaily’s arrival represents a major investment and a vote of confidence in his potential to succeed in the Premier League. Palace offers a less pressured environment compared to top-tier clubs, with a playing style suited to Khalaily’s strengths. The club’s supportive stance on Israel and its recent achievements set a promising stage for the Israeli winger’s next career chapter.