Anan Halili Set to Become Most Expensive Israeli Footballer with Crystal Palace Transfer

Anan Halili is on the verge of signing officially with Crystal Palace, marking a significant step in his career as he moves from Union Saint-Gilloise to the Premier League club. The transfer fee is expected to reach approximately 28 million euros, making Halili the most expensive Israeli footballer ever, surpassing Munas Dabbur's 17 million euro move from Salzburg to Sevilla in the 2019/2020 season.

This transfer also breaks the record for Union Saint-Gilloise, which last summer sold Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović to Benfica for 23 million euros. Given that Halili is a defender, the high transfer fee is particularly notable. Previously, Halili was set to join Inter Milan, but the deal fell through after he failed the stringent medical examinations required by Italian regulations. Union Saint-Gilloise benefits from this, as Inter had offered around 25 million euros including bonuses, less than Crystal Palace's offer.

Halili developed at Maccabi Haifa, debuting in the 2022/23 season and becoming a key player in 2023/24. He moved abroad following a successful campaign at the World Cup, initially transferring for 6.5 million euros. Crystal Palace offers him the prospect of significant playing time at a club competing in Europe, under coach Pierre Saha, known for developing young talent.

Last season, Crystal Palace finished 15th in the Premier League but won the UEFA Conference League. In the upcoming season, they will compete in the UEFA Europa League. Founded in 1905, the club also secured the English FA Cup at the end of the 2024/2025 season and the Community Shield in early 2025/2026.