Anan Halaily Becomes Most Expensive Israeli Footballer Signing with Crystal Palace

Anan Halaily, the 21-year-old Israeli winger, has completed a record-breaking transfer to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. After a prolonged summer of negotiations and a failed medical with Inter Milan, Halaily finalized his move from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for a fee of 24.5 million euros, potentially rising to 28 million euros with bonuses. This transfer sets a new record for the highest fee ever paid for an Israeli player, surpassing Munas Dabbur's 17 million euro move to Sevilla in 2019/2020, and also breaks Union Saint-Gilloise's club record previously held by the sale of Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović for 23 million euros.

Born in Haifa in September 2004 to an Arab-Israeli family, Halaily developed through youth systems including Beitar Haifa and Maccabi Haifa, making his senior debut for Maccabi Haifa in February 2022. His breakthrough came in the 2023 season under coach Masai Dego, where he became a regular starter, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 50 appearances. His impressive performances attracted European interest, leading to his 2024 transfer to Union Saint-Gilloise for 6.5 million euros, the club's highest fee at the time.

At Union Saint-Gilloise, Halaily became a key player, helping the team win the Belgian league title and contributing goals and assists, including three goals in the Champions League group stage. Despite the setback with Inter Milan due to medical issues, Halaily's move to Crystal Palace marks a significant milestone as he embarks on his first season in what many consider the world's top football league.