Anan Halaily Becomes Most Expensive Israeli Footballer Signing with Crystal Palace

After a prolonged transfer saga, Israeli winger Anan Halaily has signed with English Premier League club Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old, born in Haifa in September 2004 to an Arab-Israeli family, is making a significant step in his career by moving from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. The transfer fee is a record-breaking 24.5 million euros, potentially rising to 28 million euros with bonuses, making it the highest transfer ever for an Israeli player and surpassing the previous record of 17 million euros paid for Munas Dabbur in 2019/2020. It also breaks Union Saint-Gilloise's club record, which was set last summer when they sold Croatian striker Franjo Ivanović for 23 million euros to Benfica.

Halaily began his youth career at Beitar Haifa and M.C. Neve Yosef before developing at Maccabi Haifa, where he debuted in February 2022. His breakthrough came in the 2023 season under coach Masai Dego, becoming a regular starter with 50 appearances, 14 goals, and six assists. His performances attracted European interest, leading to his 2024 move to Union Saint-Gilloise for 6.5 million euros, the club's most expensive signing at the time. Over two seasons, he made 94 appearances, scored eight goals, and contributed 11 assists, helping the team win the Belgian league and impressing in the Champions League group stage.

Earlier this summer, Halaily had agreed terms with Inter Milan, but the deal fell through after he failed medical tests with the Italian Olympic Committee. Now, he has secured a move to the Premier League, widely regarded as the world's top football league, fulfilling a major career ambition.