Crystal Palace land Israel winger Anan Khalaili in £21m summer deal

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of 21-year-old winger Anan Khalaili from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth about £21m.

The transfer, which was announced on Saturday, is subject to the necessary international clearances. Khalaili has agreed a contract with Palace that runs until the summer of 2031.

The fee is understood to be approximately £21m, or around 24.5m euros, according to the BBC.

Khalaili’s move to the Premier League comes a few weeks after his proposed transfer to Inter Milan fell through. Inter and Union Saint-Gilloise had reached an agreement over the player, but the Italian club were unable to complete the deal after Khalaili did not receive the required medical clearance.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta explained the situation last month, saying Italy’s regulations meant the decision could not be overturned by the club’s own medical staff.

“Italy has very strict legislation to protect the health of players, and decisions are made by an independent body rather than the club’s medical team. We have to comply with that decision,” Marotta said at a news conference.

Khalaili, who comes from a Palestinian Arab family from Israel’s Arab community, began his career with hometown club Maccabi Haifa. He joined Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024 and has since established himself as a versatile attacking player.

His preferred position is on the wing, particularly on the right, although he can also operate as a full-back. At international level, Khalaili has made 16 appearances for the Israel national team.

The player said he was excited by the opportunity to continue his career in England and take on the challenge of playing in the Premier League.

“I have watched the Premier League for a long time, and this is a new experience and a new challenge for me,” Khalaili said.

He also spoke positively about his new club and its recent achievements.

“I like Crystal Palace because I have followed them for a long time. They deserved to win three trophies, and I want to achieve more with them,” he added.

Khalaili becomes Crystal Palace’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The club have also brought in Oscar Mingueza and Takehiro Tomiyasu on free transfers.

Dwight McNeil arrived as part of the deal involving Brennan Johnson, while Evann Guessand has returned to the club on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

The agreement to sign Khalaili gives Palace an additional option on the right side of their attack while adding a player capable of covering at full-back. His long-term contract reflects the club’s decision to invest in a young player who has already gained experience in Belgium and at international level.