Crystal Palace have signed 18-year-old defender, Honest Ahanor on a season-long loan from Atalanta, after he signed a pre-agreement with Chelsea for July 2027.
Chelsea had initially completed successful negotiations for Ahanor and planned to loan him to Palace, but Premier League rules permitted only one loan signing between domestic clubs which had already been fulfilled between both clubs following Axel Disasi’s switch to Selhurst Park.
Xabi Alonso’s Blues consequently decided to adopt a scenic approach by negotiating a £40m pre-agreement with Atalanta to sign the 18-year-old centre-back on 1 July 2027, whilst the Italian club retained parental rights for this season to complete Ahanor’s direct loan to Palace.
Upon joining Palace, Ahanor said that he is pleased to join the Eagles and gain English football experience at a club known for producing young talent.
“I’m very happy to be here and to be a part of this great family.
“To be at one of the best clubs for young players in the Premier League is something which makes me grateful and excited.”
Palace Chairman, Steve Paris added: “Honest is an exciting young talent whose arrival offers further competition for places ahead of another European campaign at Selhurst Park.
“We are pleased to have him with us in South London.”
Ahanor began his career in Genoa’s youth academy before he graduated into their senior squad in September 2024 and made his professional debut in 3-0 Serie A home defeat against Juventus, in the first of six appearances that season.
His performances however led Atalanta to sign him in July 2025 and he went on to establish himself in the first team with 35 appearances, during which he scored his first senior goal in a 4-0 Round of 16 victory over his former team – Genoa in the Coppa Italia.
At international level, Ahanor made his Italy debut earlier this year initially at Under-21s level in March, before he got his first senior call-up in late May and went on to feature in their 1-0 friendly away victories over Luxembourg and Greece.
Leave a Reply