Crystal Palace have just announced signing number one for the summer in Chadi Riad, and now he’s been discussing the move.
After a long few weeks of waiting, finally, Crystal Palace have announced the arrival of Chadi Riad as the Moroccan defender becomes the inaugural signing of the new era.
Riad arrives from Real Betis for a fee of around £14m and also joins bringing some impressive pedigree with him as he hails from Barcelona’s world-renowned academy, La Masia.
He’s Oliver Glasner‘s first signing since taking charge in February and it clearly shows that youth will play a big role in the club’s recruitment plans, as it has done with Dougie Freedman.
After his deal was announced, Palace also published an interview in which Riad disclosed why he wanted to move to the Eagles.
Chadi Riad explains why he’s made the move to Crystal Palace
Now it’s official and he’s been pictured in the new Palace kit, it’s safe to say Riad is going to be a hit in South London.
But in the immediate reaction to his deal going through, he’d commented to the club media on the reasons behind choosing a move to Selhurst Park.
“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.”
Clearly, the arrival of Glasner has been beneficial in Palace wrapping up this deal for a promising young centre-half, with the football he plays making it perfect for a defender who is also excellent on the ball.
Along with this, Riad will no doubt have been attracted after seeing how the likes of Adam Wharton, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze became stars at Selhurst Park, and he wants to follow in their footsteps.
How Steve Parish reacted to Chadi Riad signing
Upon the announcement, Riad wasn’t the only one to comment, as club chairman Steve Parish was also quoted.
“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.”
Parish’s comments reflect how we feel, with Riad an exciting prospect to have in the squad, regardless of whether he’s an immediate starter or not, he’s a player who has a bright future.
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