Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaily as Club’s Most Expensive Israeli Player

Crystal Palace officially announced the signing of Anan Khalaily on August 15, 2026, making him the most expensive Israeli footballer in history. The deal, reportedly worth £21 million, has been met with positive reactions from Palace fans, who view Khalaily as a promising talent and a potential long-term replacement for their current right-back, Daniel Munyos.

Munyos, regarded as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs in recent years, is expected to leave Palace soon for another Premier League club. His farewell to fans came after Palace’s final pre-season match, a 3-0 loss to Freiburg. While supporters expressed sadness over Munyos’s likely departure, many see Khalaily’s arrival as a strong move by the club.

Fan sites like WeArePalace highlighted Khalaily’s qualities, describing him as a "diamond" and comparing him favorably to Munyos, noting Khalaily is nine years younger. Another fan analysis page, Tampa Palace, praised Khalaily’s unique combination of defensive awareness, attacking ability, and stamina, emphasizing his growth as competition levels increased. Overall, the signing is viewed as a significant and strategic step forward for Crystal Palace ahead of the new Premier League season starting next week.