- Crystal Palace have signed Anan Khalaily for £21m from Union SG. Here is what the versatile Israeli winger can bring to the Eagles.
Crystal Palace completes £21m deal for Anan Khalaily
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Israeli winger Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise for a reported package of £21 million. The 21-year-old arrives as Palace look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of a season that will see them compete in the Europa League.
Khalaili agreed to a deal to join Inter Milan earlier in this transfer window, but the deal collapsed because he failed to obtain the mandatory sports medical clearance required under Italy's strict health and cardiac screening regulations, which opened the possibility for Palace to obtain his signature to strengthen the wide areas.
What Khalaily brings to Crystal Palace
He could bring directness in the attack as well as solidity in the defense to pierce Sage's side with his versatility; the 21-year-old can play as a right back, right winger, and central midfielder with his ability to control and carry the ball.
The player possesses excellent defensive awareness, where he is outstanding with ground duels and aerial duels; he averages 6 duels won per game and made 200 recoveries in league games last season.
Khalaily gives Palace another dynamic option in the wide areas. He is quick, comfortable taking on defenders, and has the ability to carry the ball forward, while his work rate means he can also contribute when the team is without possession.
Kahlaili’s style of play heavily depends on his pace and bravery to take on defenders and create chances from wide areas while maintaining an excellent defensive work rate and awareness.
A versatile option for Palace's system
One of Khalaily's biggest strengths is his ability to adapt to different roles. He can play as a winger or move deeper into a wing-back role, giving Palace more flexibility depending on the opposition and formation. His defensive awareness also means he can contribute in a more structured role without losing his attacking threat.
From Maccabi Haifa to Union SG and now Palace
The deal with Crystal Palace makes him the most expensive Israeli footballer in history. He started his junior career with the Israeli club Maccabi Haifa and became a key player for the first team in the 2023-24 season. Shortly after the breakthrough, he moved to the Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
He featured in the Champions League for the club and scored 3 goals in the last campaign from 8 matches, which gained attention from several clubs in Europe.
Khalaily arrives at Palace with plenty of potential and a profile that could give their attack another dimension. His pace. At 21, the move also gives him an opportunity to develop further in the Premier League and prove that he can make the step up from Belgian football.