Crystal Palace Signs Moroccan Center-Back Chadi Riad in $17.7 Million Deal

Rabat – Premier League club Crystal Palace has secured their first signing of the summer, bringing on Moroccan center-back Chadi Riad in a deal valued at $17.7 million, including $2.5 million in potential add-ons.

The 20-year-old defender, who was initially loaned to Real Betis from Barcelona last summer before making his move permanent, has signed with the Eagles on a contract running until June 2029, according to a BBC report.

Riad made 30 appearances for Betis across all competitions last season, contributing significantly to the team’s seventh-place finish in La Liga.

“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,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Riad expressed his enthusiasm about joining Crystal Palace. “I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays. 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.”

Crystal Palace finished 10th in the Premier League last season, winning six of their final seven games. The club’s signing of Riad is expected to bolster their defense as they aim to improve their performance and ranking in the Premier League.