Crystal Palace Football Club has officially confirmed the signing of 20-year-old centre-back Chadi Riad from Spanish side Barcelona. Riad joins the Premier League club on a five-year contract after a successful loan spell at Real Betis during the 2023/24 season.
A Perfect Fit for Palace
In an interview with the club’s official website, Riad expressed his excitement about joining Crystal Palace: “I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays. They have been telling me how they played this year, and I think it complements perfectly the way I play. 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.”
International Experience
Riad, who has received two caps for Morocco, most recently featured in a goalless draw against Mauritania in March. He was also part of Morocco’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Glasner’s First Signing
Chadi Riad is Palace’s first signing of the summer transfer window, which officially opened today. This move marks Oliver Glasner’s first signing as head coach of the club.
Who Is Chadi Riad?
Born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, to Moroccan parents on June 17, 2003, Riad began his youth career at LaLiga club Real Mallorca. He later transferred to La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned academy. During his development, Riad was loaned out to Sabadell, a team in Spain’s third division, where he received his first senior appearance in 2020.
Returning to Barcelona, Riad was promoted to their B-team, accumulating 37 appearances. His breakthrough moment came on November 8, 2022, when he made his first senior appearance for Barcelona as a substitute against CA Osasuna, contributing to a 2-1 victory.
The next milestone in Riad’s career was earning his first senior cap for Morocco. He made his debut in a pre-tournament friendly against Sierra Leone on January 11, 2024, in a 3-1 win.
Crystal Palace fans eagerly await Riad’s impact on the team’s defence as they prepare for the upcoming season.
