Crystal Palace is close to sealing a £21 million move for Anan Khalaili, a right‑sided player who has been a standout for Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise in recent seasons. The deal, which includes a five‑year contract with an option for an additional year, ties the 23‑year‑old to Selhurst Park until 2031.
A Record‑Breaking Arrival
Khalaili’s rise has been rapid. After joining Saint‑Gilloise from Maccabi Haifa in the summer of 2024, he helped the club win the Belgian Cup, then added a league title and a run to the Champions League group stage. In 52 appearances for the Belgian side he contributed six goals and six assists, earning a reputation for pace, crossing ability and defensive reliability.
His performances attracted a suite of suitors, including Nottingham Forest, Inter Milan, Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Forest’s €20 million offer was rejected by Saint‑Gilloise, clearing the path for Palace to move ahead. The rejection underscores the high valuation placed on Khalaili, whose market value has risen sharply over the past year.
The transfer also marks a new club‑record fee for Saint‑Gilloise, surpassing the €22.8 million paid for Franjo Ivanovic last year, and highlights the growing financial clout of the Belgian side.
Looking Ahead
Palace’s summer activity has already seen the arrivals of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Barcelona‑trained centre‑back Oscar Mingueza, while the club’s pursuit of Brennan Johnson has sparked talk of a possible swap involving Dwight McNeil at Everton.
For Royale Union Saint‑Gilloise, the sale represents a financial windfall that could fund further squad development and infrastructure, while for Khalaili it offers a platform to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
With the window still open, Palace’s sporting director is expected to remain active, potentially reshaping the squad further before the deadline.