Crystal Palace have secured the signature of Israel international Anan Khalaili from Belgian top-flight champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the London club confirmed on 15 August. The 21-year-old has penned a long-term deal running until 2031, becoming Palace's fifth summer signing.

A Versatile Addition to Selhurst Park

Khalaili, who can operate as a full-back or winger, joins a summer recruitment drive that has already brought in Oscar Mingueza, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Dwight McNeil, and Evann Guessand to south London. The signing signals Palace's intent to strengthen their squad depth ahead of a demanding campaign that includes UEFA Europa League football.

Born in Haifa, Israel, Khalaili developed through the academy ranks at Maccabi Haifa, registering 15 goals in 52 appearances for the club. He was also on the scoresheet during Maccabi Haifa's 2023 Israel Super Cup victory, underlining his penchant for big occasions from an early age.

A Trophy-Laden Spell at Union SG

Khalaili joined Union SG in the summer of 2024 and swiftly became a key figure during one of the most historic periods in the Belgian club's history. He was part of the squad that clinched Union SG's first Belgian top-flight title in 90 years in 2025, a triumph that also secured UEFA Champions League qualification.

He contributed three goals in the Champions League that season and subsequently helped the club claim the Belgian Cup, completing a remarkable domestic double. That continental and cup pedigree makes him an attractive prospect for a Palace side now competing in European competition.

What the Club and Player Said

Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed enthusiasm about the deal. 'We are very excited to have completed this signing, and we are delighted that Anan has chosen to continue his journey with Crystal Palace,' Parish said in an official statement.

Khalaili himself spoke of his eagerness to embrace the Premier League challenge. 'I'm happy to be here, I'm excited, and I can't wait to start. 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 said.

Palace's Context and the Road Ahead

Despite finishing 15th in the Premier League 2025/26 season with 11 wins, 12 draws, and 15 losses, Crystal Palace earned a remarkable route into Europe by winning the UEFA Conference League under manager Oliver Glasner. That victory secured Europa League football for the coming campaign — a competition that demands squad width and versatility of exactly the kind Khalaili provides.

Palace open their 2025-26 league campaign on 22 August against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. At just 21 with 16 senior international caps already to his name, Khalaili arrives as one of the more exciting young talents to land in the Premier League this window.