Everton are reportedly pushing to sign Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz before the transfer window closes, with manager David Moyes keen to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Colombian international has emerged as a serious target for the Toffees as Moyes searches for a natural right-back. Everton are understood to have shown strong interest in the 30-year-old, although securing his signature is unlikely to be straightforward.
Munoz’s future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain, with the defender reportedly having several options available to him. Palace, however, are unlikely to welcome his departure easily, particularly after another impressive campaign from one of their experienced players.
Everton’s need for a specialist right-back has become increasingly clear during pre-season. Jake O’Brien and Merlin Röhl have both filled in on the right side, despite neither being a natural option in that position. While their versatility has provided temporary cover, Moyes is believed to want a more established solution before the season begins.
Munoz could fit that requirement perfectly. The Palace defender combines defensive strength and experience with an impressive attacking threat, potentially giving Everton greater quality and energy down the right flank.
Everton Need to Move Quickly
Everton have already considered other options this summer, including Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston. However, the Canada international’s injury appears to have complicated that pursuit, leaving Moyes potentially needing to turn his attention elsewhere.
That could see Munoz move higher up Everton’s shortlist. If the Toffees genuinely want to bring the Colombian to Hill Dickinson Stadium, they may have to act quickly before other interested clubs make their move.
DSports journalist Mauricio Gonzalez Arteaga has reportedly placed Munoz’s valuation at around £30 million. Although that would represent a sizeable investment for Everton, the club could regard the defender as someone capable of immediately strengthening the squad.
However, Everton are not the only club monitoring the situation.
Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also reportedly interested, potentially setting up a three-way battle for the Palace star. With several clubs keeping tabs on Munoz, Palace are in a strong negotiating position and have little reason to accept a low offer.
Forest could be particularly dangerous competition, with manager Oliver Glasner reportedly interested in reuniting with Munoz. Glasner knows the defender well from their time together at Crystal Palace and is familiar with the qualities he could bring to his team.
Munoz’s defensive discipline would suit Forest’s tactical approach, while his ability to attack from deep would also provide an important weapon in modern full-back play.
Why Munoz Could Be an Ideal Everton Signing
Everton could benefit significantly from greater attacking production in the wide areas next season. While the Toffees have players capable of handling defensive responsibilities, they have sometimes lacked consistent creativity and attacking output from their full-backs.
Munoz could help address that weakness.
The Colombian enjoyed another productive campaign with Palace, scoring four goals and registering three assists while creating eight big chances in 29 Premier League appearances, according to Sofascore.
Those figures underline his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch rather than simply focusing on defensive duties.
His attacking qualities could be especially useful to Everton, who need greater creativity and penetration from the flanks. A right-back capable of delivering dangerous balls, making forward runs and contributing goals would give Moyes another option in attack.
Jake O’Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko can provide defensive stability, but Munoz would offer a different profile by combining physicality and defensive awareness with a willingness to push forward.
At 30, he would also bring valuable Premier League experience to an Everton squad that could benefit from proven players in important positions. His familiarity with English football should also allow him to settle quickly rather than requiring an extended adaptation period.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Everton now face an important decision. If Moyes considers Munoz the right answer to his right-back problem, the Toffees may need to act decisively before Tottenham, Nottingham Forest or another interested club can secure his signature.
For Palace, the reported £30 million valuation gives them a strong negotiating position, particularly with several clubs seemingly monitoring the defender.
Everton’s pursuit could ultimately depend on whether they are prepared to meet Palace’s demands and convince Munoz that a move to Merseyside is the right next step in his career.
For Moyes, signing the Colombian could represent a major boost as he looks to strengthen his squad before the new campaign. With competition increasing and the deadline approaching, Everton cannot afford to hesitate if Munoz has become their preferred target.