Palace sign Khalaili from Union Saint‑Gilloise

Crystal Palace announced on Tuesday that Israel international midfielder Ana Khalaili has joined the club on a long‑term contract running until 2031. The 22‑year‑old arrives from Belgian side Union Saint‑Gilloise after a breakout season in the BeNe League. The signing bolsters Palace’s push to deepen its squad depth ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, and signals the club’s commitment to expanding its women's football footprint.

Key takeaways

  • Ana Khalaili signs a contract through 2031, the longest deal for a Palace women’s player to date.
  • The Israeli international moves from Union Saint‑Gilloise after helping them finish second in the Belgian league.
  • Palace aims to strengthen its midfield options and increase marketability in the Middle East.
  • The transfer highlights growing investment in women’s football across Europe.

Background

Khalaili debuted for the Israel women’s national team in 2020 and quickly became a regular starter, known for her vision and set‑piece ability. At Union Saint‑Gilloise, she logged 28 league appearances last season, contributing five goals and eight assists as the club challenged for the title. Palace, meanwhile, has been proactive in the women’s transfer market, adding several internationals over the past two years to compete with the league’s traditional powerhouses. The club’s strategy aligns with the broader growth of women’s football in the UK, where viewership and sponsorship revenues have risen sharply.

What happened

The official announcement was posted on Palace’s website and shared across its social channels early on Tuesday. The club confirmed that Khalaili will join the first‑team squad for pre‑season training in July, with the contract set to expire in June 2031. No transfer fee was disclosed, reflecting the common practice of free‑transfer moves in the women’s game. The signing was also highlighted in the club’s sports news feed, underscoring its relevance to the wider sporting community.

Why it matters

Khalaili’s arrival adds a player with international experience to a Palace side that finished just outside the top four last season. Her technical skillset is expected to diversify Palace’s attacking patterns and give manager Chronicle News a new tactical option in midfield. Moreover, the deal underscores the increasing globalization of women’s football, as clubs across Europe scout talent from emerging markets such as Israel. The move may also attract new fans and commercial partners from the Middle East, expanding Palace’s brand beyond England.

What happens next

Khalaili will report to the club’s training base in London on 1 July, where she will undergo a medical assessment and integrate with teammates. Palace plans to feature her in the upcoming preseason tour, which includes fixtures against top‑flight English and continental clubs. Fans can follow her progress through the club’s official channels and the all articles archive, where detailed match reports will be posted.

Frequently asked questions

When will Khalaili make her debut for Palace?

She is slated to feature in the first preseason friendly in early August, with a competitive debut expected in the opening league match of September.

How does this signing compare with Palace’s recent transfers?

It is the longest‑term contract the club has offered to a women’s player, surpassing last year’s two‑year deal for forward Maya Lloyd.

Will Khalaili continue to play for Israel while at Palace?

Yes, she remains eligible for Israel and is expected to feature in upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro qualifiers.

Bottom line

Crystal Palace has secured Israel midfielder Ana Khalaili on a contract that runs until 2031, reinforcing its ambition in the women’s Premier League. The move reflects both sporting and commercial objectives for the club. Reporting by BBC Sport.

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