Anan Khalaili has officially joined Crystal Palace in a £21 million deal from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, putting an end to a summer transfer saga that saw a proposed move to Inter Milan fall through at the final hurdle.
The Italian collapse
The 21-year-old Israeli international appeared set for a high-profile move to San Siro. Inter Milan had reached full agreement over personal terms and transfer fees, but Serie A’s regulatory framework halted the transaction.
Italy mandates strict medical clearances via the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI). Independent medical assessors flagged irregularities during screening, preventing CONI from issuing the required health certificate. As a result, Inter abandoned the transfer, subsequently recruiting Djed Spence to fill their wide defensive void.
His representative, Boaz Goren, detailed the immediate aftermath of the medical ruling during an interview with 103FM:
“We were sitting in the hotel rooms, Anan was in a room next to us with a wall separating us. I went to his room and told him definitively that the issue was irreparable. Four minutes later he was in my room again and it was just laughter. When we see that the issue was irreparable? Laughter, fine. We move on.”
Goren emphasised that Italian regulations represent an anomaly compared to standard procedures across other European leagues:
“Anan probably won’t play in Italy until they change the protocol, but in England it didn’t take more than two minutes for the doctor to approve him when the matter was on the table. It’s very clear that Inter was an excellent story, but we moved on from it because it was impossible.”
Global interest and Palace’s long-term pursuit
Despite the setback in Milan, demand for Khalaili remained high across Europe. His performance profile drew inquiries from multiple Premier League and Continental sides, including Newcastle United.
“From that moment on, I can say that every European team, at a level that could pay the amount that was paid for him, which is not low, that should have approached Anan. All over Europe and at all levels. The levels of the clubs that I came into contact with, thanks to this player, as an agent, it still amazes me to this day.”
Crystal Palace had laid the groundwork months prior to securing his signature. The Eagles tracked Khalaili for nearly a year, identifying him as a priority target during the January window.
“Crystal Palace have been in contact with us for a little less than a year, and have wanted him since January, and in the end it worked out for them. There is no club in Europe, including Inter, which they are the pick of the teams that play the system, that did not want him. We did a long internal work that concerns all the relevant options for him, Inter were always first place because they play the system and Crystal Palace was also second place.”
Belgian success and strategic fit at Selhurst Park
Khalaili arrives in South London following a standout period with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he featured prominently in their 2024/25 Belgian title win and subsequent Champions League matches.
Union Saint-Gilloise published an official farewell statement following the completion of the transfer:
“For Khalaili, the time is now right for the next chapter of his career. We wish him every success at Selhurst Park.”
In a supplementary release, the Belgian champions detailed his contributions on the pitch:
“Khalaili quickly established himself as a key player at Union. His attacking creativity, combined with defensive solidity and an endless energy reserve, made him one of the best players in the Jupiler Pro League during Union’s title-winning 2024/25 season. The following season, he once again demonstrated his value, both in the league and at the highest level in the Champions League.”
The club added across social media channels:
“A Belgian title. A Belgian Cup. Two Supercups. Pace, talent and unforgettable moments on the pitch. A humble and genuine guy off it. Thank you for everything, Anan. Nothing but the best for your next chapter.”
For Crystal Palace, Khalaili provides high-volume athletic coverage down the right flank. Capable of operating as a full-back, wing-back, or wide attacker, he offers tactical flexibility while serving as a long-term successor to Daniel Muñoz on the right side of the Palace system.
