Crystal Palace Plot Move to Sign the Next Daniel Muñoz After Transfer Mission

Crystal Palace are actively pursuing Zakaria El Ouahdi, a 24-year-old Moroccan full-back from Genk, positioning him as the successor to star right-back Daniel Muñoz amid ongoing transfer ambitions.[4] With Nathaniel Clyne and Muñoz currently sidelined by injuries, Palace seek to bolster their right-back depth for the demanding Premier League and European campaigns.[4]

El Ouahdi, who has impressed with his physicality and technical skills at Genk, is reportedly eager to join Crystal Palace, giving the Eagles a strong negotiating position.[4] Talks are already underway between the London club and the Belgian side, as Palace aim to secure the versatile defender who could thrive under manager Oliver Glasner.[4] The Moroccan international's desire to test himself in the Premier League, combined with interest from rivals like Everton, underscores his rising stock.[4]

This move echoes Palace's shrewd January 2024 signing of Daniel Muñoz from Genk for €8m (£6.6m), a deal that has proven transformative.[1][2] The Colombian, now 29, has become an undisputed starter, contributing 37 Premier League appearances, 4 goals, and 6 assists in his debut full season, followed by 23 matches, 4 goals, and 2 assists this campaign.[1] Muñoz extended his contract until 2028 (with an option for another year) last April, earning €3.5m annually.[1] His exploits, including a historic European goal in the UEFA Conference League against Dynamo Kyiv in October 2025 and a league strike against Wolves in November, have attracted giants like PSG, Chelsea, and Barcelona.[1][2][3]

However, with Muñoz potentially departing in 2026 alongside stars like Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, Palace are proactively planning ahead.[3] Signing El Ouahdi would provide competition and continuity, ensuring defensive resilience as they compete on multiple fronts. The Genk link is poetic—Muñoz's success there paved his path to Selhurst Park, and now El Ouahdi could follow suit, developing into a Premier League mainstay under Glasner's guidance.[4]

(Word count: 298)