If there was one fanbase who did not want the curtain to fall on the 2023/24 campaign, it was Crystal Palace’s.
Only time will tell, however, if the remarkable end to the season enjoyed by Oliver Glasner‘s suddenly free-scoring side can be translated into the beginning of the next one.
Has Michael Olise played his final game in Crystal Palace colours? It is no secret that the fleet-footed Frenchman has a release clause in his contract, and admirers at his boyhood club Manchester United. And, for any club looking to add a defence-splitting, chance-creating attacking midfielder to their ranks, surely Ebere Eze will be right near the top of the wishlist.
For now, however, speculation over outgoings can wait.
Crystal Palace already nearing first summer signing
A Crystal Palace support awakened by Glasner’s alarm-clock appointment after football which would have cured insomnia under Roy Hodgson deserve their chance to bask in the brilliance of the final few months.
And the feel good factor hanging over Selhurst Park right now will only be enhanced by the seemingly impending arrival of one of La Liga’s top defensive talents.
HITC reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace were closing in on a deal for Real Betis stopper Chadi Riad. Left-footed centre-halves are all the rage these days and Palace appear to have got their mitts on a pretty good one, the Morocco international soaked in La Masia teachings and bringing his Barcelona-style, ball-playing qualities to Andalusia.
Palace agreed personal terms with Riad a few days ago. The Mallorca-born 20-year-old is expected to set The Eagles back £12.8 million, with sources also insisting to HITC that Riad is being brought in to provide competition for Marc Guehi rather than as a replacement for the much-coveted Englishman.
Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini has now broken his silence. Speaking to Sport during his Friday press conference, the former Real Madrid, West Ham United, Manchester City and Villarreal coach confirmed that Riad could all-but seal his switch to South London at the start of the coming week.
“Chadi Riad will undergo a medical examination (with Crystal Palace) next Monday,” Pellegrini says.
Real Betis’ trip to La Liga champions Real Madrid on Saturday night, then, should be Riad’s final appearance in the green-and-white stripes.
The youngster was impressive in Betis’ 1-1 draw with Carlo Ancelotti’s side back in December. A performance Pellegrini described as ‘excellent’ and ‘incredible’.
A busy summer ahead for Oliver Glasner and co
A powerful, physically imposing and front-footed 6ft 2ins defensive colossus, Riad looks well suited to the hustle and bustle of British football too.
“We know Chadi. He’s a great central defender,” former head coach Xavi said back in 2022 while Riad was looking to force his way into the first-team picture at Barcelona.
“Very aggressive and brings the ball (out from the back).”
Crystal Palace have also been linked with Glasner’s former Wolfsburg favourite Maxence Lacroix, while Trabzonspor’s president has played down speculation linking Batista Mendy with a potential £10 million move to England.
HITC understands that, should Michael Olise leave, Palace may once again dip into the Championship. Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Hull City’s one-time Aston Villa starlet Jaden Philogene are under consideration.
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