19-year-old Barcelona defensive prospect on the radars of Dutch outfit

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona youngster Chadi Riad has emerged as a possible summer transfer target for Dutch outfit RKC Waalwijk.

Riad, 19, joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth setup in 2019, arriving from RCD Mallorca’s academy. The left-footed centre-back has made steady progress over the past four years within the Catalan outfit.

A regular for Rafa Marquez’s Barça Atletic side this season, Riad has made 33 appearances for them even scoring a couple of goals.

The teenage defender’s big moment came when Xavi Hernandez handed him his senior debut for Barcelona in a La Liga clash against CA Osasuna in November last year. Riad played just one minute during that match and that remains his sole first-team appearance.

However, the youngster, who was called up to the Moroccan national team earlier in March, is rated very highly at Barça.

In fact, the club even renewed his contract last year, handing him a new deal until 2024 with an option for an additional twelve months.

However, with Inigo Martinez set to arrive at the club this summer, Xavi’s need for a left-footed centre-back will be addressed. And it could have an adverse effect on Riad’s chances of breaking into the first team.

As such, RKC Waalwijk have taken an interest in the 19-year-old and wish to sign him this summer.

It is claimed that the Dutch Eredivisie outfit were keen on Riad last summer as well, but the youngster opted to renew with Barça. But they are set to try their luck with him once again this year.

Riad’s future, though, might depend on Barça Atletic’s season. If they achieve promotion to La Liga 2 from the RFEF Primera Division, the Moroccan ace might continue as it would keep him on the path to achieve his aim of playing at a high level while remaining at Barcelona.