Nottingham Forest have secured the services of Daniel Muñoz from Crystal Palace, finalising a transfer that is reported to be worth as much as £22 million. The 30-year-old Colombian right wing-back signs a three-year contract with the option of a fourth year, reuniting with his former manager Oliver Glasner, who now leads the Forest side at the City Ground.
The move comes after Palace opened the door for Muñoz's departure by bringing in Anan Khalaili from Union Saint-Gilloise, allowing them to recoup a profit on the player they originally purchased from KRC Genk for £8.5 million in January 2024. Muñoz was a pivotal figure in Crystal Palace's successful runs in both the UEFA Conference League and the FA Cup, contributing significantly to the club's recent silverware. Speaking to Forest's official website, Muñoz expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm: "I am truly thankful – first of all to God for life and for another great opportunity, and to the management who have confidence in my abilities and talent.
I am very excited and can’t wait to step onto the pitch and help my new teammates achieve all the objectives we have set for this season." He continued, "This is a winning club. The expectation, the mentality – from the management, the technical staff, and the players – makes it special. Oliver Glasner is a special person; I have a strong relationship with him and we achieved great things together.
What he accomplished at our previous club earns my utmost respect and admiration." While Forest celebrate the arrival of Muñoz, Crystal Palace have indicated that they have no intention of parting with any additional players to Nottingham Forest as the transfer window draws to a close. Recent speculation suggested that Forest had made a bid for Palace's goalkeeper and captain Dean Henderson, but Sky Sports News confirmed that Henderson will remain at Selhurst Park until the deadline passes. Palace are instead focusing on supporting their new head coach Pierre Sage in the final days of the window. Meanwhile, Forest remain active in the market, targeting Newcastle United forward Jacob Murphy as a potential late signing.
The club is eager to bolster its attacking options following the departure of Omari Hutchinson to AC Milan. Although Newcastle have not been formally approached, both Forest and Everton have shown interest in Murphy, while Newcastle themselves are exploring new forward targets such as Matias Fernandes Pardo from Lille and Bilal El Khannouss from Stuttgart. In another development, German side Eintracht Frankfurt are in discussions with Forest about a possible loan return for striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. Kalimuendo spent the latter half of last season on loan in Germany and could head back on another temporary move, potentially with an option to make the deal permanent.
He was omitted from Forest's matchday squad for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Saturday. A separate transfer rumor involving Forest's pursuit of Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong has reportedly collapsed.
Sky Sports News indicates that after Forest's approach, the Everton board unanimously decided not to sell the player. On the Palace side, negotiations are reportedly nearing completion for a season-long loan of Honest Ahanor from Atalanta, with a view to a permanent move to Chelsea next summer. Chelsea are said to be in talks to acquire Ahanor outright for around £40 million. The loan cannot be arranged directly from Chelsea to Palace because defender Axel Disasi is already on loan at Selhurst Park.
Regarding outgoing moves, Ismaila Sarr has expressed a desire to leave Crystal Palace before the window shuts, but the club maintains that he is not for sale and remains under contract until 2029. Liverpool have shown interest in the Senegal international, alongside other potential targets such as Brighton's Yankuba Minteh. Sarr has missed Palace's opening two league fixtures due to injury, and the transfer deadline is set for Tuesday at 23:00.
Overall, the transfer window remains lively with clubs maneuvering for strategic signings. Forest's acquisition of Muñoz adds experience and familiarity to their right flank, while the club continues to scout for additional attacking talent.
Palace, meanwhile, balances squad reinforcement with the retention of key assets, aiming to solidify Pierre Sage's plans for the season. The coming days will reveal whether further deals materialise before the deadline, shaping the squads for the upcoming campaign.