In their effort to generate revenue from player sales, Barcelona are forced to part ways with some of their brightest young talents. One such prospect standing at the exit door is Chadi Riad.
The youngster is very close to signing for Real Betis on a permanent transfer ahead of the new La Liga season. The Seville-based side will pay €2.5 million for his signing and are all but set to announce his arrival.
Riad has already landed in Seville as of earlier today to complete his medicals as a new member of Los Verdiblancos. However, not all is gloomy in Barcelona’s end of the deal.
The Catalans will still have leverage over the youngster’s future with a buyback clause included in the agreement with Real Betis. Further, they will retain 50% of any future sale of the player.
According to the latest update from Gerard Romero, Barcelona’s buyback clause will stand at around €7 million to €8 million. While the sum is significantly higher than what Real Betis are paying for him currently, it is understandable considering his age.
At 20 years old, the young defender has a lot to learn in his trade before he can claim to be a finished product. Considering that Barcelona will only use the buyback clause if he matures into one of the league’s best defenders, the clause would be a bargain in such a scenario.
Xavi Hernandez did not include the Moroccan defender on the trip to the United States given the vast resources at his disposal. Moreover, the newly signed Mikayil Faye appears to be one of the more promising young talents whom the manager has bet on.
With his time as a Blaugrana coming to an end, it is difficult to see Riad’s departure as anything but a significant loss. However, one hopes that he forces the club to take notice in the years to come with his consistent performances at Benito Villamarin.
