Anan Khalaili joins Crystal Palace in record-breaking deal for an Israeli player

Crystal Palace announced on Saturday the signing of 21-year-old Israeli winger Anan Khalaili from the Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. British media reported the transfer fee at 24.5 million euros ($28 million), making him the most expensive Israeli player in history. The five-year deal remains subject to international clearance. Khalaili, who primarily plays on the right wing, developed at Maccabi Haifa before moving to the Belgian side in 2024. The signing comes weeks after a proposed move to Inter Milan collapsed. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta had stated at the time that the player failed to receive medical clearance due to Italy's strict health regulations for athletes. Khalaili has made 16 appearances for the Israeli national team and is the fifth summer signing for the Premier League club.