Crystal Palace have announced the £12.6million signing of Morocco defender Chadi Riad from Barcelona.
The 20-year-old’s move to Selhurst Park was finalised last month, on a deal that runs until June 2029.
The Spanish-born Moroccan international caught Palace’s eye while on loan from Barca at Real Betis this season, where he played 26 times in LaLiga.
A graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, Riad is expected to become a key part of Palace’s defence next season, with England defender Marc Guehi’s future still unclear.
Chadi Riad is Palace ❤️💙
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 14, 2024
Riad scored his first goal for Morocco in a World Cup qualifier against Congo earlier this week and becomes Palace’s first signing since Oliver Glasner took over from Roy Hodgson as manager in February.
Palace will also announce the signing of Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada from Lazio on a free transfer in the coming days.
“I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays”, said Riad. “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.”
Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: “As a full international at just 20, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to welcome to the club.
“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.”
