Crystal Palace are facing crucial decisions as the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, with opportunities to both strengthen their squad and streamline their roster. The Eagles have already completed the high-profile sale of Marc Guehi to Manchester City this winter, creating a pressing need to secure a replacement at centre-back for the England international. The South London club now have until the deadline on Monday 2nd February to finalise any remaining incoming or outgoing business, balancing squad depth with financial considerations.
Crystal Palace Set to Loan Chadi Riad Amid Sheffield United Interest
According to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page, Crystal Palace are 'ready' to loan out defender Chadi Riad amid significant interest from Sheffield United. The club is prepared to allow the Moroccan international to depart on a temporary basis, providing him with valuable playing time that has been scarce at Selhurst Park. Riad originally joined Palace for an initial fee of £14 million back in 2024, marking a substantial investment in the young talent.
The 22-year-old defender remains under contract with Crystal Palace until the summer of 2029, meaning he still has considerable time remaining on his current deal. However, his limited involvement in recent matches has prompted discussions about a potential loan move. Riad managed only three appearances for Crystal Palace last season, highlighting his struggle to break into the first-team setup under the current management.
Chadi Riad's Career Trajectory and Current Situation
Chadi Riad began his professional career at Real Mallorca before earning a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. During his time at Camp Nou, he made a solitary appearance for the first team before embarking on a loan spell at Real Betis. It was at Betis where Riad gained more consistent experience, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions, with 26 of those appearances coming in La Liga.
His transfer to Crystal Palace was met with optimism from both the player and the club. Upon joining, Riad expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "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."
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish also welcomed the signing, noting: "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."
Potential Benefits of a Loan Move to Sheffield United
A temporary switch to Sheffield United could provide Riad with the regular first-team football he desperately needs to develop his skills and adapt to English football. The Championship side, managed by Chris Wilder, are currently positioned in 17th place in the league table, sitting six points above the relegation zone after a challenging campaign. Sheffield United reached the play-off final last season but suffered defeat to Sunderland at Wembley, and they now view Riad as a potential asset to bolster their defensive options as they aim to climb the table.
For Crystal Palace, loaning out Riad would help free up squad space and potentially reduce wage expenditure, allowing manager Oliver Glasner to focus on securing a replacement for Marc Guehi. This strategic move could benefit all parties involved, giving Riad the opportunity to gain crucial experience while Palace address their immediate defensive needs.
As the transfer deadline looms, the future of Chadi Riad at Crystal Palace remains uncertain, but a loan move to Sheffield United appears increasingly likely as both clubs seek to optimise their squads for the remainder of the season.
