Crystal Palace complete signing of Morocco defender Chadi Riad on long-term contract

The 20-year-old Barcelona player spent last season on loan at Real Betis, featuring 30 times in all competitions for the Seville side.

Born in Spain to Moroccan parents, Riad has won three senior caps for Morocco, debuting against Sierra Leone in January and scoring his first international goal against Congo-Brazzaville earlier this week.

He said: "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 is the first summer signing for Palace chairman Steve Parish, who will be kept busy during the transfer window negotiating the futures of top talents including Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Centre-back Marc Guehi, currently on England duty at the Euros, has two years left on his contract but is also seen as a summer target for big clubs.

Parish said: "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."

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