Crystal Palace Signs Anan Khalaili: A Strategic Move

Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the market, sealing the signing of Israel winger Anan Khalaili from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after his high-profile switch to Inter Milan collapsed.

The Premier League club confirmed on Saturday that the 21-year-old has agreed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park, with the deal still “subject to international clearance.” British reports value the transfer at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), underlining how heavily Palace are backing the right-sided attacker.

The move arrives just weeks after Inter president Giuseppe Marotta publicly revealed that Khalaili had been denied medical clearance to complete a transfer to the Italian giants, despite an agreement between the clubs.

“Italy has very strict legislation protecting players' health, with decisions made by an independent body rather than the club's medical staff. We have to abide by this decision,” Marotta said at the time. Inter walked away. Palace stepped in.

For the London club, it is an opportunity seized. For Khalaili, it is a sharp change of direction in a fast-rising career.

The winger came through at hometown side Maccabi Haifa, where his pace and direct running drew attention from across Europe, before he joined Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium in 2024. His stay there has proved brief, but impactful enough to convince a Premier League side to invest heavily in his potential.

Already a full international, Khalaili has made 16 appearances for Israel and typically operates off the right flank, cutting in and driving at defenders. Palace will expect that same fearlessness in England.

He becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer window, following Óscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand, as the squad is reshaped with a clear emphasis on energy and versatility.

Inter’s loss now carries a very different edge. If Khalaili catches fire in South London, Selhurst Park will be the stage where that sliding door moment plays out.