Forest secure Munoz in £22m deal

Nottingham Forest have completed the £22 million signing of Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace, the club have confirmed. The Colombian international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at the City Ground, becoming the club's fifth signing of the window.

Transfer background

Munoz, 28, joined Palace from Genk in January 2024 and made 40 Premier League appearances for the Eagles. The right-back's arrival at Forest signals a clear intent from head coach Nuno Espirito Santo to strengthen defensive options. Forest currently sit 16th in the table, five points above the relegation zone, and have conceded 34 goals in 24 matches – the fourth-worst defensive record in the division.

The fee of £22m represents a significant outlay for Forest, who have been active in the market this month. Munoz becomes the club's most expensive arrival since their return to the Premier League in 2022, surpassing the £17.5m paid for Taiwo Awoniyi. The deal also makes Munoz the third most expensive defender in Forest's history.

What Munoz brings to Forest

Munoz is an attack-minded full-back who thrives in transition. At Palace, he averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game, while also contributing three assists in his debut season. His energy down the right flank will provide width and support for winger Anthony Elanga, who has often been isolated in recent weeks.

Forest's system under Nuno has often employed a back three, with wing-backs pushing high. Munoz's defensive solidity and lung-busting runs make him an ideal fit for that role. His arrival could also allow Nuno to switch to a back four with more confidence, knowing he has a reliable option at right-back.

  • Munoz's arrival adds competition for existing right-back options, with veteran Serge Aurier and young Ola Aina both vying for starts.
  • His Colombian connection with forward Luis Sinisterra may also aid attacking cohesion.
  • Forest's set-piece vulnerability – they have conceded eight goals from dead-ball situations – could be improved by Munoz's presence in the air, as he won 62% of his aerial duels at Palace.

Impact on the Premier League landscape

From a wider perspective, this transfer underlines Forest's ambition to avoid a second successive season of survival scrap. The club spent over £100m in the summer and have now added Munoz in January, demonstrating financial backing from owner Evangelos Marinakis. At the same time, Palace's willingness to sell one of their key defenders raises questions about their own squad depth, though they have already reinvested in replacements.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Munoz is priced at £5.0m and has an ownership of 2.1%. Forest's upcoming fixtures include home clashes with Manchester United and Liverpool, but their defence has shown signs of improvement – they kept clean sheets in three of their last five matches. Munoz could be a bargain enabler in FPL if he nails down a starting berth.

What's next for Munoz and Forest?

Munoz is in line to make his debut in Forest's next Premier League outing against Manchester United on Tuesday. With the club facing a relegation battle, every point matters, and the new signing will be eager to make an immediate impact. Forest fans will hope Munoz's arrival can provide the defensive solidity to steer them clear of danger. For Palace, the funds from this sale will be used to further strengthen their own squad before the transfer window closes.

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