Barcelona have officially announced the departure of their young defender, Chadi Riad, who has now joined Real Betis.
The 20-year-old Moroccan international has made a move to secure more consistent playing time in La Liga, with the possibility of the move becoming permanent.
Chadi Riad is a talented young footballer whose prowess is highly regarded.
However, his opportunities for playing time at Barca are limited due to the current range of options available to Xavi.
Barcelona coach, Xavi recently discussed the importance of downsizing the squad.
And today, July 27, it has been officially confirmed that Chadi Riad has joined La Liga club Real Betis on a loan deal.
Barcelona confirmed this deal on their official website, stating: “FC Barcelona and Real Betis have agreed to loan Chadi Riad to the Andalusian team until June 30, 2024.”
Furthermore, the club wrote that Real Betis will have the option to purchase the player after the season.
In addition, football insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the specifics of the deal, revealing that Riad will be joining Betis on a season-long loan.
Furthermore, the Italian also confirmed the obligation for the Seville side to make the transfer permanent next summer.
There are no specific details regarding the amounts involved. However, it has been reported that the purchase option is set at a mere €2.5 million, with Barcelona set to receive the fund next June.
In addition, Barca will retain a 50% sell-on fee for any future transfers of Chadi Riad away from Betis.
The Catalans will also include a €7m buy-back option on the player, which is a common practice for them when selling young players.
The center-back is highly regarded in the Barcelona youth ranks.
He joined the team in 2019 from Mallorca and was a reliable presence in Rafael Márquez’s Barça Atlètic team in the Primera Federación – Gr. II last season.
Barca have been highly active in developing their reserve and youth teams, and they have also made numerous signings this summer for their subsidiary.
Two notable signings were made at the center-back position. Mikayil Faye joined from K Kustosija in Croatia, while Gerard Martin arrived from the Spanish side UE Cornellà.
To allocate sufficient game time for both players, Marquez had to create space in his team, and Riad was the one chosen to be released.
In total, Chadi Riad made 49 appearances in his club career. He primarily played as a left-sided center-back, but he also had opportunities to play as a left-back, demonstrating his versatility.
Given his limited experience at the highest level, securing a guaranteed €2.5 million for him is an excellent deal for the La Liga champions.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of a buy-back option ensures that they have safeguarded their future interests.
Who is Barcelona star, Chadi Riad?
Chadi Riad Dnanou (born 17 June 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a center-back for La Liga club Real Betis, on loan from Barcelona.
Born in Spain, he is a youth international for Morocco.
Chadi Riad’s professional career
Born in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands to Moroccan parents, Riad represented CD Atlético Rafal, RCD Mallorca (two stints) and CD San Francisco before agreeing to a three-year deal with FC Barcelona in February 2019, effective as of July later that year.
In 2020, Riad moved to CE Sabadell FC on loan for one year before he renewed his contract with Barça until 2024, and was promoted to the reserves in Primera Federación in July 2022.
