Crystal Palace Secures Moroccan Starlet Chadi Riad in Summer Transfer Swoop

Friday 14 June 2024 - 11:45

In a move that has set the Premier League abuzz, Crystal Palace has announced the signing of Moroccan international Chadi Riad, who has officially committed his future to the English club for the next five years.

Riad, who joins Crystal Palace after an impressive loan spell at Real Betis where he made 30 appearances across all competitions and played a pivotal role under Manuel Pellegrini, has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2029, pending international clearance.

At just 20 years of age, Riad has already earned his first three senior caps for Morocco, making his debut against Sierra Leone in January and scoring his maiden international goal against Congo-Brazzaville earlier this week. His addition to the Crystal Palace ranks marks the club's first acquisition in the summer transfer window.

"As an international at just 20 years old, Chadi is an exciting young player that we are delighted to welcome to the club," expressed Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish. "His arrival adds quality to an already talented and promising squad, and I look forward to seeing him contribute to the team this season and beyond."

The Atlas Lion himself expressed his delight at joining the Premier League club, stating, "I was interested in coming here because of the club's history and the league they play in. They told me about how they've progressed this year, and I think that perfectly complements my style of play. The club has high-level players who are young, and I've come here to follow the same trajectory, to grow as they have grown."

Riad's capture is a testament to Crystal Palace's ambition and their commitment to nurturing young talent. The Moroccan defender's impressive performances in La Liga and his international pedigree at such a tender age have undoubtedly caught the eye of the Premier League outfit.

As the curtain rises on a new season, Riad's arrival at Selhurst Park promises to inject fresh energy and excitement into the Crystal Palace ranks. With his undoubted potential and the guidance of the club's experienced coaching staff, the young Moroccan could well blossom into a Premier League star, adding depth and quality to the Eagles' backline.

For Riad, the move represents an opportunity to test his mettle in one of the world's most competitive leagues, while for Crystal Palace, it signifies their commitment to assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level. As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, the arrival of Chadi Riad could prove to be one of the shrewdest acquisitions of the offseason.