20-year-old Barcelona star takes huge step towards Crystal Palace transfer

Crystal Palace are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window as a medical has been booked for Barcelona’s Chadi Riad. 

The 20-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Real Betis and the Morocco star has been a key member of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, featuring in 30 games this season. The youngster has no future at Barca and the Catalan club will now cash in on the defender this summer.

Crystal Palace are expected to lose Marc Guehi before next season with clubs such as Man United interested in the center-back. Oliver Glasner will need stars for the role in case the England star does leave and Riad will be the first to arrive at Selhurst Park.

According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League club have offered £12.7m for the 20-year-old with a further £1.7m due in add-ons.

Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed ahead of the Seville-based club’s match with Real Madrid on Saturday that Riad would not be in their squad as he is due to travel to England for medical tests at the start of next week.

Chadi Riad will undergo Crystal Palace medical on Monday

The Mail states that Riad will undergo his Crystal Palace medical on Monday ahead of becoming the Eagles’ first signing of the summer. The Morocco international has a lot of potential as he is 6ft 3ins tall, athletic, quick and left-footed.

The Premier League club have been looking for that style of defender in the lead-up to the upcoming transfer window and it looks like they are very close to getting a deal done.

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