Crystal Palace have agreed personal terms with Chadi Riad and are in discussions about bringing the Real Betis defender to the Premier League for a fee of £12.8 million.
HITC understands that, just two days after bringing the curtain down on a terrific end to the season with a 5-0 hammering of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace are far from resting on their laurels ahead of what may be a busy summer at Selhurst Park.
Oliver Glasner‘s side are in talks with Real Betis about a £12.8 million deal for one of La Liga’s breakout talents. Chadi Riad, meanwhile, has already agreed terms over a move to South London.
The situation may be complicated a little by the fact that Barcelona have a buy-back clause in the contract of the La Masia graduate. The Blaugrana have previously stated their intention of triggering said clause too.
But we understand that Riad wants to make the switch to Crystal Palace, and is likely to get it too.
Crystal Palace in Chadi Riad talks with Real Betis
The 20-year-old centre-half spent five seasons at Barcelona, making his senior debut during the 2022/23 La Liga-winning campaign under Camp Nou legend Xavi Hernandez. It is at Betis, however, where Riad has really made his name.
The one-time Morocco international has been one of the first names on the team sheet of former Real Madrid, West Ham and Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini. Riad has made 26 league appearances for a Betis side who have already secured European qualification with one matchday still remaining.
“Chadi Riad was excellent,” Pellegrini said after the youngster impressed in December’s 1-1 draw with Madrid. “In central defence, Chadi Riad is having a great season, not just today against Real Madrid.
“His performance has been incredible. I’m very happy for him. (Without Riad’s emergence) we’d have had a problem at centre-back.”
Left-footed central defenders have seldom been in such high demand. And a Crystal Palace side who have a terrific track record when it comes to signing up-and-coming talents under their highly-rated director Dougie Freedman could get a bargain with Riad expected to set The Eagles back just shy of £13 million.
Riad not viewed as Marc Guehi replacement
HITC have been told, meanwhile, that Riad’s likely arrival does not spell the end of Marc Guehi’s Palace career. While Guehi is a man in high demand, Glasner’s team do not see Riad as his successor. More a player capable of adding depth to the backline.
Quick, powerful and not afraid of sticking the boot in, Riad appears to possess many of the attributes required for a defender plying his trade in England’s Premier league.
“We know Chadi, he’s a great central defender,” Xavi said back in 2022, when he was still at Barcelona. “Very aggressive and brings the ball (out from the back).”
Cystal Palace have also been linked with Glasner’s former Wolfsburg favourite Maxence Lacroix, while Trabzonspor’s president has played down speculation linking Batista Mendy with a potential £10 million move to England.
HITC understands that, should Michael Olise leave, Palace may once again dip into the Championship. Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Hull City’s one-time Aston Villa starlet Jaden Philogene are under consideration.
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