Crystal Palace Nears Signing Israeli Midfielder Anan Khalaily with Medical Waiver Clause

Israeli midfielder Anan Khalaily is close to completing a transfer from Union Saint-Gilloise to Crystal Palace for approximately 21 million pounds. Khalaily, 21, has already undergone medical examinations and agreed to a five-year contract with an option for an additional season. Italian reports reveal an unusual clause in the deal requiring Khalaily to sign a waiver releasing the English Football Association from liability for any future medical issues, placing responsibility solely on the player.

Earlier this summer, Khalaily's move to Inter Milan fell through after he failed the Italian Olympic Committee's medical tests, despite passing Inter's club medicals. Napoli initially made an offer for the player, which Union Saint-Gilloise rejected. After returning to Union Saint-Gilloise, Khalaily helped the team win the Belgian Super Cup and attracted interest from English clubs.

Khalaily joined Union Saint-Gilloise from Maccabi Haifa in summer 2024 for around 7.5 million euros. In the previous season, he scored six goals and provided six assists in 52 matches across all competitions, including three goals in the UEFA Champions League, highlighted by a brace against Marseille and a winning goal against Atalanta. According to Italian journalist Marco Berzaghi, Crystal Palace is more comfortable with Khalaily's medical condition, which facilitated the agreement. The transfer is expected to be finalized soon.