Medical done’ – Liverpool and Everton’s rivals close to £12m deal for Barcelona defender in early boost

A Premier League rival of Everton and Liverpool is almost done with its early transfer action.
After completing his physical at the Selhurst Park club, Barcelona defender Chadi Riad is close to joining Everton and Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

The Eagles had a strong finish to the league season, finishing with 49 points to finish in 10th place. They won six of their final seven games, including a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, thanks to the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner, who served as a spark for their incredible run of form. On the last day of the season, they also overcame West Ham 5-2, Manchester United 4-0, and Champions League-bound Aston Villa 5-0.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Riad has finished his medical, and the deal is about to close. Last week, BBC Sport revealed that the deal is valued at £12 million with potential add-ons of £2 million.

The 20-year-old from Mallorca, Spain, spent the previous season on loan at Real Betis, a team in La Liga. Despite playing 37 games and scoring three goals for Barcelona B, he has only made one senior appearance for Barcelona. Last season, the center back made 30 appearances for Betis in all competitions.

For Liverpool and Everton, central defense will also be crucial during the summer transfer window. After Joel Matip’s contract expired and he departed the team on a free transfer, the Reds will need to add more depth to the position.

The 32-year-old’s final game for Liverpool came in December when he sustained a catastrophic knee injury against Fulham. Gonçalo Inácio, a defender for Sporting CP, has apparently been pursued by the Reds and their rivals Manchester United. The 22-year-old’s purported £51 million release clause.

Due of Riad’s impending arrival at the Eagles, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also in high demand and has been connected to Arne Slot’s team. This might mean that the England international leaves Selhurst Park this summer. As he gets about to depart Bournemouth on a free transfer, Lloyd Kelly was also mentioned; nevertheless, he is soon to sign with Newcastle United. Among the other names connected are William Pacho of Eintracht Frankfurt and Piero Hincapie of Bayer Leverkusen.