La Masia defender unlikely to return to Barcelona this summer

Barcelona parted ways with a plethora of players on loan arrangements during the summer transfer window last year.

One such player who was offloaded by the Blaugrana was Chadi Riad, who signed for Real Betis on a season-long loan deal with a €3 million purchase option.

The Moroccan international, a product of La Masia, has established himself as a regular starter at the Seville-based outfit, with it taken for granted that the €3 million buy option will be activated.

Chadi Riad will not return to Barcelona this summer

However, it must be noted that Barcelona have also inserted a €7 million buyback option for Riad in their agreement with Real Betis.

As such, it has been widely speculated that the Catalans will consider re-signing the young centre-half in the summer by activating that option.

Chadi Riad will not return to Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

But, now, a fresh report from journalist Alex Pintanel states that Riad’s return to Barcelona in the upcoming summer is highly unlikely.

As per the update, Barça’s buyback clause for the La Masia graduate is valid for 2025 and not for this summer.

In that scenario, the Catalans would have to negotiate a fee with Real Betis if they intend to re-sign him now – something that is extremely unlikely.

Riad has performed well at Real Betis but Barcelona have enough centre-backs at their disposal at this point and need money to strengthen other positions on the pitch.

As such, the youngster returning to the club this summer seems out of the question. As to whether Barcelona consider activating the buyback clause in 2025, only time will tell.