Crystal Palace have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Premier League season by signing Israel international Anan Khalaili from Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal reportedly worth around £21 million, with add-ons included.
The 21-year-old, who can operate as a wing-back or further forward on the wing, has put pen to paper on a long-term contract running until 2031, with the club holding the option to extend by a further year. His arrival gives Pierre Sage's rebuilding project at Selhurst Park a fifth new face of the summer.
Khalaili joined Union Saint-Gilloise in 2024 and played a key role in the Belgian side's remarkable achievements last season, helping them clinch their first top-flight title in 90 years alongside a Belgian Cup triumph. He also impressed on the European stage, netting three of his six goals for the club in the Champions League — experience Palace hope will prove valuable as they prepare for their own Europa League campaign.
Speaking after finalising his move, Khalaili expressed his excitement at joining the Eagles. "I'm happy to be here, I'm excited, and I can't wait to start," he said. "I've followed the Premier League – it's a new challenge for me – and I've followed Crystal Palace for a long time. I'm happy to be here."
He added further praise for the club's recent success, noting its run of silverware. "I have followed the Premier League for a long time, it's a new challenge for me," Khalaili said. "And Crystal Palace I like, because I have followed them for a long time. They have deserved to win three trophies and I want to do more."
The deal comes amid uncertainty over the future of Daniel Munoz, Palace's established first-choice right wing-back, with reports suggesting interest from elsewhere in the Israeli's new position. Khalaili's arrival also helps address a shortage of options on the right side of defence following a series of departures. Danny Imray moved to Championship club Wrexham, while Nathaniel Clyne left after his contract expired, and Maxence Lacroix departed for Chelsea.
Khalaili becomes the latest piece in a busy rebuild under new boss Sage, who has already brought in Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oscar Mingueza on free transfers, secured Dwight McNeil in a swap deal that saw Brennan Johnson move the other way, and added Evann Guessand on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.
Interestingly, Khalaili had already begun training with his new teammates before the transfer was formally announced. Eagle-eyed supporters spotted him wearing Palace training kit during the club's pre-season camp in Germany, where he was seen signing autographs and posing for photos with fans. The club later played on the sighting, posting a teasing message on social media asking if anyone had