Crystal Palace Signs Israeli Winger Anan Khalaily for Record £21 Million Fee

Crystal Palace has officially signed Israeli winger Anan Khalaily from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for a record £21 million, making him the most expensive Israeli footballer ever. The 21-year-old surpassed the previous record held by Munas Dabbur, who transferred for €17 million in 2019. Khalaily expressed excitement about joining the Premier League club, calling it a new challenge and saying he has followed Crystal Palace for some time. Club chairman Steve Parish welcomed Khalaily and said the team looks forward to his arrival at Selhurst Park.

Khalaily, who plays as a right-back and midfielder, joined Union Saint-Gilloise in summer 2024 from Maccabi Haifa after an impressive breakthrough season in the Israeli Premier League. In his first season in Belgium, he helped Union win their first league title in 90 years. In his second season, he became a regular starter, helped the team qualify for the Champions League, and scored three goals in eight appearances in the competition. Overall, he made 52 appearances for Union, scoring six goals and providing six assists.

Last month, Khalaily had agreed to a five-year contract with Italian club Inter Milan for a similar fee of around €23 million, but the transfer fell through after medical tests. The move to Crystal Palace marks a significant step in his career as he enters the English top flight.