Crystal Palace have secured the signing of highly-rated young defender Chadi Riad from Barcelona, the Premier League club announced on Friday.
The 20-year-old Moroccan joins the Eagles on a long-term contract after a promising season on loan at Real Betis. Riad played a key role for the Seville club, making 30 appearances across all competitions.
While his path to the Barcelona first team was limited to just one appearance, Riad has already impressed on the international stage. He’s earned three senior caps for Morocco, making his debut in January and scoring his first international goal earlier this week against Congo.
Seeking Growth at Selhurst Park
Speaking to the club’s official website, Riad expressed his excitement about joining Crystal Palace: “The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown.”
Born in Palma, Mallorca to Moroccan parents, Riad developed his skills in the youth system of his hometown club before progressing to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
Palace’s First Summer Signing
Riad becomes Crystal Palace’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window. Club chairman Steve Parish is delighted with the new arrival: “As a full international at just 20-years-old, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to be able to welcome to the club.”
Parish continued, “His arrival adds quality to a squad already packed with talent and potential, and I look forward to seeing him contribute to the team this season and beyond.”
Riad’s arrival bolsters Crystal Palace’s defensive options, offering manager Patrick Vieira a promising young talent to integrate into the squad. His experience at Real Betis and international appearances suggest he possesses the qualities to thrive in the Premier League.
