After the move was pretty much confirmed earlier in the week, Barcelona have officially announced that young defender Chadi Riad has signed for Real Betis.
Contrary to what was being reported, though, the 20-year-old will be joining Los Verdiblancos on a season-long loan deal with an option for the transfer to be made permanent at the end of the season.
“FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompié have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Chadi Riad to the Andalusian team until June 30, 2024. In addition, Betis will have an option to buy at the end of the season,” the official statement read.
Riad, a talented young centre-back, made his first-team debut for Barcelona last season under the command of Xavi Hernandez. He was also a regular starter for Rafa Marquez’s Barça Atletic squad and played a key role in their push for promotion from the RFEF First Division.
However, a pathway to the first-team was blocked following the arrival of Inigo Martinez this summer, paving the way for him to leave the club to gain first-team experience.
It had been reported that Riad would be joining Real Betis in a permanent transfer worth €2.5 million and that the Blaugrana would have a buyback clause of €7-8 million.
But, as it turns out, Riad has signed for Manuel Pellegrini’s side on loan with a permanent purchase option included, the price of which has not been disclosed.
However, SPORT reports that the figure stands at €3 million, while also claiming that Barça will have a repurchase option of €7 million should Betis sign him permanently.
