Palace sign Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise

What the report says

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Israel international Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the winger/full-back committing to a contract running until 2031. BBC Sport reported that the 21-year-old is believed to have cost about £21m.

Khalaili arrives after a successful spell in Belgium, where he joined Union in 2024 and helped them win their first Belgian Pro League title in 90 years as well as the Belgian Cup. The article also notes that he brings European experience to Palace’s upcoming Europa League campaign, having scored three of his six goals last season in the Champions League.

The transfer adds another option to Palace’s squad under Pierre Sage and is their fifth signing of the window. BBC Sport said the club have already brought in Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oscar Mingueza on free transfers, while Dwight McNeil joined in exchange for Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand arrived on a season-long loan from Aston Villa.

Khalaili said he had followed the Premier League and Crystal Palace for a long time and described the move as a new challenge. More broadly, the signing fits a pattern of clubs strengthening with players who have both domestic and continental experience ahead of a busy season.