An insight into the plans of the Barcelona brass for on-loan defender Chadi Riad has today been forthcoming online.
Riad, for his part, secured a departure from Catalunya’s capital last summer.
Deemed surplus to requirements owing to the strength of options at the heart of Barca’s backline, the Moroccan international was farmed out to La Liga rivals Real Betis.
And, safe to say, the move has since proven an altogether beneficial one for club and player alike.
Riad has gone on to establish himself as a crucial member of Manuel Pellegrini’s defensive line, thoroughly impressing those in a position of power at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
Still just 20, and with plenty of room for growth, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of Barcelona rubbing their hands.
Betis, for their part, will make Riad’s arrival a permanent one in the summer, owing to a mandatory clause set at €3 million.
Barca, though, maintain an immediate buyback option worth €7 million.
And, as per a report from Diario Sport, the Blaugrana board have every intention of activating as much.
This, however, does not come with a view to the youngster taking his place in the first-team setup back in Catalunya next season.
Instead, the plan is for Riad to be brought back, before being sold on for an immediate profit.
Amid mounting interest in his services across Spain and beyond, Deco and co. are understood to be confident of raising a fee of at least €15 million through the defender’s exit.
Conor Laird | GSFN
