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

Anan Halili is poised to sign 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 transfer from Salzburg to Sevilla in the 2019/2020 season. This fee also breaks the record for Union Saint-Gilloise, exceeding last summer's 23 million euro sale of Croatian forward Franjo Ivanović to Benfica.

Halili, a defender, commands an impressive transfer sum, especially given his position. Previously, he was set to join Inter Milan but failed to pass 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 strong performance in the World Cup, initially transferring for 6.5 million euros. Crystal Palace offers him substantial playing time at a club competing in European tournaments. The club's coach, Pierre Saha, is known for effectively 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, Crystal Palace also secured the English FA Cup in 2024/25 and the Community Shield in early 2025/26.