Crystal Palace has made its first summer signing, bringing in Moroccan centre-back Chadi Riad in a deal worth £12m plus £2m in add-ons.
Riad, 20, joins the Eagles on a contract until June 2029, leaving Real Betis after a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Riad made 30 appearances for Betis, helping them finish seventh in La Liga.
Palace chairman Steve Parish praised Riad, saying, "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."
Riad expressed his enthusiasm for joining Palace, citing the club's history and league play. "I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays," he said. "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."
Palace won six of their final seven Premier League games in the 2023-24 campaign, finishing 10th in the top-flight. This signing marks a significant move for Palace, bolstering their defense with a talented young player.
