Report: Crystal Palace actually decided not to sign 2023 target before choosing Chadi Riad instead

It appears that Crystal Palace initially considered signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia as their central defender for the upcoming season. Mosquera had been linked with a move to Selhurst Park since December 2023, with reports suggesting he was being considered as a replacement for Marc Guehi.

However, despite the ongoing interest in Mosquera, Crystal Palace ultimately decided to pursue a deal for Chadi Riad instead. This decision could have been influenced by various factors, including financial considerations and the overall suitability of Riad for the team’s requirements.

While Mosquera’s recent contract extension with Valencia may have contributed to Crystal Palace’s decision to prioritize Riad, it’s evident that the club’s management believes Riad’s acquisition makes more sense for them this summer.

Ultimately, decisions in the transfer market are complex and can involve weighing multiple factors. Crystal Palace’s move to pursue Riad over Mosquera suggests they have carefully evaluated their options and made a choice they believe will benefit the club moving forward.

The delay in announcing Chadi Riad’s move to Crystal Palace might be due to various factors. One possible reason could be the negotiation process between Crystal Palace and Valencia, especially considering that Mosquera recently signed a new contract with Valencia, giving the Spanish club a stronger bargaining position.

It seems Crystal Palace is delaying the official announcement of Riad’s arrival due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers involving Morocco. This cautious approach suggests that they want to avoid any distractions for the player or the team during this crucial period of international fixtures.

Once the World Cup qualifiers are concluded, Crystal Palace is likely to proceed with the formal presentation of the defender. This decision reflects the club’s consideration for the player’s commitments and their desire to ensure a smooth transition for him into the squad.

This strategy is not uncommon in football, as clubs often time their announcements and presentations to minimize disruptions and allow players to focus fully on their immediate responsibilities.

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