23rd May 2024 • Written by Cory Woodthorpe

Who is Chadi Riad?

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Moroccan international defender Chadi Riad has been linked to Crystal Palace this week, with rumours suggesting a potential transfer in the upcoming summer window. The 20-year-old has spent the season on a loan at Real Betis from Barcelona 

Riad is a U23 African Cup of Nations winner with Morocco, and received his first call-up to the Moroccan National Team in January of this year. Riad’s one minute played in the 2022/23 season with Barcelona also qualified him for a La Liga winners medal, so the young defender has had a decorated early career.

Chadi Riad’s career so far

Riad has appeared in 26 games (24 starts) for Real Betis in La Liga this season - with one game still to play - against title winners Real Madrid at 8 pm on May 25 (tune in, Eagles fans).

Before this season, the Moroccan’s appearances have come in youth football games for Barcelona. Becoming a La Masia graduate is not something to be sniffed at, and Riad is a product of one of the best youth academies in world football.

Photo: DeFodi/Getty Images

So what next? According to reports, Palace have agreed a €14m fee, with the Moroccan already having agreed personal terms with the club (Source: Fabrizio Romano).

 Riad is not a Marc Guehi replacement, he is to provide more depth at centre back following the departures of James Tomkins and Jairo Riedewald. The man to replace Guehi, should he leave, is likely to be Maxence Lacroix.

How does Chadi Riad fit at Crystal Palace?

To put it simply, Riad can slot in comfortably across the back three. The Moroccan is comfortable on both feet, and possesses an immense ball-playing ability, which makes him the perfect fit for Oliver Glasner’s Eagles. 

A similar player to Riad is the previously linked Cristhian Mosquera, who plays for Valencia. Mosquera had been linked with Palace in the January window, but these rumours seem to have dissipated recently. While Mosquera possesses better statistical output than Riad, both are incredible options for Crystal Palace.

Riad would work ideally in a back four, as this is the system he has played in at both Barcelona and Betis, but could easily play in a back three. Riad is predominantly left footed, which is something that Palace lack within their current central defensive group - this could benefit the young Moroccan, as he may be favoured over the right-footed Chris Richards on the left of a back three. 

Richards has been solid since coming into the side in the second half of the 2023-24 season, but is noticeably uncomfortable when under pressure on his weaker foot. The signing of Riad may allow Richards to move into a more comfortable position, either in the middle or on the right of the back three.

Chadi Riad stats

For such an inexperienced defender, Riad boasts some very positive stats. Being dribbled past just 0.4 times per 90 minutes he has featured for Real Betis. He is strong in the challenge, but can also boast an impressive disciplinary record - picking up only one yellow card across the 23/24 season. Riad also has a notable 4.2 recoveries and 4 clearances per 90, again highlighting his strong defensive capabilities.

Photo: Fran Santiago/Getty Images

One to be excited about

Chadi Riad looks to be a strong signing at the start of what looks to be a promising summer for Crystal Palace. Some of the signings linked - including Riad - give reason for Palace fans to be excited. If the core of the squad stays together, and is improved upon, then there is no reason why Palace can’t build on this season’s 10th placed finish.

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