Sheffield United are reportedly close to completing a loan move for Moroccan international defender Chadi Riad from Crystal Palace, with the deal expected to run until the end of the current season.
Multiple media reports indicate that talks between the two clubs have progressed rapidly in recent days, largely due to positive developments in the player’s recovery from a lengthy injury layoff.
After missing a significant part of the season with a complex injury, Riad has shown steady improvement in his physical condition, boosting confidence on Sheffield United’s side.
Medical assessments from Crystal Palace’s technical and medical teams are said to be encouraging, providing further assurance that the defender is ready to return to competitive action. This has played a key role in accelerating negotiations between both parties.
Riad joined Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024 from Real Betis, but his time in London has so far been disrupted by injury, limiting his chances of establishing himself and featuring regularly for the club.
Within Crystal Palace, a loan move is viewed as the most practical solution at this stage of his career. The arrangement would allow Riad to regain match sharpness and secure consistent playing time in a league known for its intensity and high tempo.
Sheffield United believe the Moroccan defender would be a strong addition to their defensive unit, thanks to his blend of technical quality and physical presence.
The left-footed centre-back is recognised for his solid tackling and composure in building play from the back. His background in top academies, including Barcelona, is also seen as a major asset as the club looks to strengthen in the second half of the season.
At the international level, Riad remains firmly on the radar of the Moroccan national team’s technical staff. Regular game time is considered crucial to maintaining his progress and preserving his place among the defensive options for the Atlas Lions moving forward.
