Catalan Giants opt to exercise buyback option for Real Betis defender
Barcelona Football Club has decided to split company with on-loan defender Chadi Riad permanently in order to build its defensive group for the upcoming season.
The Catalan giants are prepared to buy Riad back from Real Betis for €7 million, with Betis scheduled to pay €3.5 million for the Moroccan’s services next summer.
Riad’s impending arrival heats up the rivalry in Barcelona’s central defense, which already features five formidable names: Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Inigo Martinez. Given an abundance of skill, the club is considering selling one of their current defenders.
Barcelona will also say farewell to Eric Garcia, who is presently on loan at Girona and will likely return at the end of the season. Despite Barcelona’s initial hope to keep Garcia, his remarkable tenure at Girona, where he has become a pillar in Michel’s team, has confirmed his exit.
Garcia, who is valued at €15 million, has drawn the interest of several clubs, but Girona is keen to keep him beyond the loan spell.
The outstanding performances of the Spanish defender at Girona have not only propelled his team to the top of the league alongside Real Madrid, but have also positioned him as a possible option for the Spanish national team.
Garcia is happy in Girona, and the potential of a permanent move is dependent on Girona qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, a scenario that might secure the Spaniard’s future with the club.
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