Crystal Palace sign Morocco International Chadi Riad

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Morocco international Chadi Riad on a long-term contract. The 20-year-old defender has agreed to a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2029.

Riad, born in Palma, Spain to Moroccan parents, began his youth career at RCD Mallorca before moving to Barcelona, where he graduated from La Masia academy.

He joins Palace following a successful loan spell at Real Betis, where he made 30 appearances last season.

After earning his first three senior caps for Morocco this year, including scoring his first international goal against Congo-Brazzaville, Riad is Palace’s first summer signing.

Palace Chairman Steve Parish expressed his excitement about the new addition: “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. 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 shared his enthusiasm for joining Palace: “I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays. 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’s journey began at local side CD Atletico Rafal before moving to Real Mallorca’s youth system.

In 2019, he signed for Barcelona and joined La Masia. He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in November 2022 against Osasuna. Last season, he was instrumental in Barca B’s play-off run.