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Saturday, August 15, 2026
Anan Khalaili signs with Crystal Palace in most expensive deal for an Israeli soccer player
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Israeli soccer star Anan Khalaili signs with British team Crystal Palace, transferring from Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
According to the New York Times, the London club paid around £21 million (approximately $18 million) for the player, who has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further one-year extension.
It is the highest fee ever paid for an Israeli player, media reports say.
Earlier this year Khalaili had been in advanced talks with Italian team Inter Milan, but the planned transfer fell through after the player’s medical exam.
The Times says that since then, he has been in talks with other teams including Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old winger was born and raised in Haifa, and plays for Israel’s national team.
South London's latest resident.
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Anan Khalaili from Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on a long-term contract ????
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 15, 2026
The Times of Israel Community.