Nottingham Forest have secured the services of Daniel Muñoz from Crystal Palace, finalising a transfer that sees the 30-year-old right wing‑back move to the City Ground on a three‑year contract with an optional fourth year. The reported fee for the deal could rise to as much as £22 million, reflecting both the player's quality and the strategic importance Forest place on bolstering their defensive flanks. The move also reunites Muñoz with his former manager Oliver Glasner, who took charge of Palace before accepting the managerial role at Forest. Their previous collaboration proved fruitful, with Glasner guiding Palace to success in both the UEFA Conference League and the FA Cup, while Muñoz featured prominently as a dynamic, attack‑oriented full‑back.
The pair's shared history is expected to accelerate Muñoz's integration into Forest's system, as both men have spoken publicly about the mutual respect and understanding that underpins their working relationship. Crystal Palace facilitated the departure by signing Belgian defender Anan Khalaili from Union Saint‑Gilloise, effectively freeing up a roster spot and generating a profit on Muñoz, who originally arrived from KRC Genk for £8.5 million in January 2024.
The financial logic behind the deal underscores Palace's broader strategy of balancing the books while remaining competitive in domestic cup competitions. The Colombian international reflected on his transfer in a statement posted on Forest's official website. He expressed gratitude to a higher power, the club's hierarchy, and his new manager, saying, "I am truly thankful—to God for life and for this fresh opportunity, and to the management that believes in my abilities. I am excited and eager to step onto the pitch and help my new teammates achieve the objectives set for this season." Muñoz also praised the winning mentality at Forest, noting, "This is a club that expects success.
The mindset of the coaching staff, the technical team, and the players makes it a special environment." He added, "Oliver Glasner is a remarkable figure. I share a strong bond with him, and we accomplished great things together at Palace. I have immense respect and admiration for what he achieved there." While Forest celebrate the arrival of Muñoz, Palace have signalled that they are not prepared to part with additional players as the transfer window draws to a close.
Recent speculation suggested Forest might target Palace captain and goalkeeper Dean Henderson, but Sky Sports News reported that the Eagles have been instructed not to allow the move before the deadline. Palace appear focused on supporting new head coach Pierre Sage in the final days of the market, aiming to maintain squad stability. Forest's activity does not stop with Muñoz.
The club is reportedly eyeing Newcastle United forward Jacob Murphy as a potential late‑season addition. The interest in Murphy arises from the need to replace outgoing forward Omari Hutchinson, who has transferred to AC Milan.
Although Newcastle have not yet been formally approached, sources indicate that both Forest and Everton have shown interest in the English striker. Newcastle themselves are exploring options to strengthen their attacking line, with reported interest in Lille's Matias Fernandes Pardo and Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss.
In another development, German side Eintracht Frankfurt are in discussions with Forest regarding a possible loan return for striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. Kalimuendo spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Frankfurt and could be sent back on another temporary deal, potentially with an option to make the move permanent. He was omitted from Forest's matchday squad for the 2-2 draw against Liverpool, suggesting the club may be considering his future role. Negotiations for other targets have encountered setbacks.
A proposed transfer for Everton's Harrison Armstrong fell through after Forest's approach was rejected; the board reportedly reached a unanimous decision not to sell the player. Meanwhile, Palace are nearing a loan agreement with Atalanta for midfielder Honest Ahanor.
The plan involves a season‑long loan to the Eagles, followed by a permanent move to Chelsea next summer, a transaction complicated by Chelsea's loan of defender Axel Disasi to Palace. On the outbound side, Ismaila Sarr has expressed a desire to leave Palace before the window shuts, but the club maintains that he remains under contract until 2029 and is not for sale. Liverpool have made an approach for the Senegalese winger, adding him to a shortlist that also includes Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
Sarr has missed Palace's opening two league fixtures due to injury, leaving his situation unresolved as the deadline approaches on Tuesday at 23:00. Overall, the transfer window remains a period of intense activity for both Forest and Palace, with each club maneuvering to balance immediate squad needs against longer‑term financial considerations.
Forest's acquisition of Muñoz not only strengthens their defensive options but also brings a player familiar with the manager's tactics, potentially providing a catalyst for improved performances in the Premier League. As the clock ticks down, fans can expect further announcements, last‑minute bids, and strategic decisions that will shape the squads for the remainder of the season.