Anan Halili Joins Crystal Palace as Israel's Most Expensive Player Ahead of Premier League Debut

Anan Halili, a promising 21-year-old Israeli footballer, has signed a five-year contract with Crystal Palace, becoming the most expensive Israeli player ever. Originally set to debut for Inter Milan in Serie A against Monza, Halili's transfer to Italy fell through due to stringent medical tests. Instead, he embraced a new challenge in the English Premier League with Crystal Palace, a club that recently won the English FA Cup in May 2025 and the UEFA Conference League in May 2026.

Crystal Palace, known for developing young talent and competing strongly despite financial disparities with neighboring London clubs, offers Halili significant playing time in both the Premier League and European competitions. The club is also preparing to sell veteran right-back Daniel Muñoz, which aligns with Halili's arrival. Inspired by his father Majdi's work ethic, Halili impressed the club with his professionalism from the start, asking about training schedules immediately after passing medical exams.

Halili's debut is scheduled for the upcoming Saturday against Everton at Selhurst Park, just miles from Liverpool, a club he admires and dreams of playing for one day. While disappointed by the missed opportunity at Inter Milan, Halili and his team view this new chapter in England as a valuable learning experience and a chance to make an immediate impact in one of the world's top leagues.