After a setback with Inter Milan, Anan Khalaili is on the verge of securing a blockbuster move to England. The right-back’s future now hinges on a successful medical in London, following a proposed £28 million deal with Crystal Palace.
Earlier this summer, Khalaili’s transfer to Serie A collapsed after he failed an Inter Milan medical due to cardiac concerns. Unlike Italy’s stringent protocols, Premier League clubs apply less rigid health standards, offering the Israeli defender a clearer path to joining Crystal Palace.
The London club has been negotiating aggressively to finalize the agreement this week. Khalaili’s move would replace outgoing right-back Daniel Munoz, who is pushing for a transfer to a more competitive European league. With both parties reportedly satisfied, the only remaining hurdle is the final medical clearance.
Why Premier League over Serie A?
Khalaili’s preference for England stems from the Premier League’s comparatively lenient approach to cardiac assessments. This discrepancy became evident in 2020 when former Inter player Christian Eriksen faced a similar situation before joining Brentford—later moving to Manchester United—after receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
The upcoming contract for Khalaili is expected to span five years with an optional sixth, aligning with his ambition to compete at the highest level. While losing out on the Inter deal’s higher valuation (€32 million), Union Saint-Gilloise will still shatter its previous transfer record—set last year when Franjo Ivanovic joined Benfica for €28 million (including bonuses).
What’s next for the 25-year-old?
If the medical passes without issues, Khalaili will finalize his contract and officially debut for Crystal Palace in the coming weeks. The deal not only elevates his career but also underscores the Premier League’s growing appeal as a destination for top-tier talent seeking new challenges.
The Belgian club, meanwhile, will reinvest the proceeds into strengthening its squad, following a trend of capitalizing on strategic sales to sustain competitive excellence.
