Moroccan international player Chadi Riad has officially joined the English Premier League club Crystal Palace on a five-year contract until June 2029, according to an official statement on Friday.
Riad participated in 30 matches for Spain’s Real Betis during the previous season, contributing to the team’s seventh-place finish in La Liga.
The 20-year-old Atlas Lion’s deal is valued at £12 million ($15 Mln), with additional considerations of £2 million ($2.5 Mln), according to BBC Sport.
While the transfer fee has not been made public, Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has also suggested that it may be around €15 million.
“Born in Palma, Spain, to Moroccan parents, Riad is an imposing defender who began his youth career with RCD Mallorca before moving to Barcelona, where he graduated from the world-renowned La Masia academy,” Crystal Palace confidently introduced the new talent in a press release.
Club Chairman Steve Parish extended a warm welcome to the Moroccan player, stating: “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.”
Commenting on the recruit, Parish added: “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 expressed his satisfaction at joining Crystal Palace, citing the club’s history and position in the league as key factors in his decision.
The young player noted that he had been informed about the team’s performance this year, which he felt aligned with his “style of play” and highlighted the club’s “high-level young players.”
“I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown,” Riad said.