Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of centre-back Chadi Riad.
The 20-year-old signs a five-year contract and joins Palace from Real Betis, with whom he made 30 appearances in 2023/24 after joining from Barcelona.
A new addition to the red and blue 😍
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) June 14, 2024
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Morocco international Chadi Riad on a long-term contract 🤝 pic.twitter.com/OAUCNgJRqs
"I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays," Riad told the club's official website. "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."
Riad has received two caps for Morocco, most recently featuring in a goalless draw against Mauritania in March. He made the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
He is Palace’s first signing of the summer window, which officially opened today, and Oliver Glasner’s first as head coach.
Who is Riad?
Riad was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, to Moroccan parents on 17 June 2003.
Chadi Riad: Everything you need to know
During his youth career Riad has played for LaLiga club Real Mallorca until he transferred to La Masia, Barcelona’s famous academy.
From Barcelona he was loaned out to Sabadell, a team in Spain’s third division where he received his first senior appearance in 2020.
Riad returned to his parent club the season after and was promoted to their B-team where he picked up 37 appearances.
He earned his first senior appearance for Barcelona on 8 November 2022 coming on as a substitute against CA Osasuna who they were beating 2-1.
The next milestone was receiving his first senior cap for Morocco, making his debut in a 3-1 win over Sierra Leone in a pre-tournament friendly on 11 January 2024.