Crystal Palace have now made an approach to sign a “superb” defender, who would be open to a move to Selhurst Park.

Palace keen to strengthen at right-back amid interest in Munoz

Palace may have their work cut out trying to keep hold of Daniel Munoz in 2026, amid growing interest in the defender, with Chelsea previously being named as potential suitors, while Manchester United and Manchester City have also now joined the race.

Pep Guardiola is personally an admirer of the right-back, but the Eagles have made it clear they will not sanction a departure during the January transfer window, as they view him as a key player.

Steve Parish is confident about retaining Munoz’s services until the summer, given that he remains contracted until 2028, which means there is no pressing need to cash-in, but a big offer at the end of the season could tempt the chairman into a sale.

As such, Crystal Palace have been looking at new options at right-back, with it being revealed earlier this month that Bayern Munich’s Sacha Boey is a target for the January transfer window.

Boey is not the only option, however, with Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealing Palace have now made an approach to sign KRC Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi (via Sport Witness), and the Belgian club are open to a sale for a fee of around €10m – €12m (£9m – £11m).

Contact has been made with El Ouahdi’s agent, with the defender open to a move to Selhurst Park, although he is a back-up option for Boey, should the Eagles be unable to get a deal for the Bayern Munich ace over the line.

The right-back has already turned down a move to Everton, given that he doesn’t want to join a club fighting relegation, which is a little peculiar, considering the Toffees are ninth in the Premier League table, two points behind Oliver Glasner’s side.

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Palace are pursuing a move for a new attacker.

ByDominic Lund 2 days ago "Superb" El Ouahdi impressing in Belgium

The Moroccan certainly put in some eye-catching performances during the 2024-25 campaign, with scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “superb complete full-back with all the qualities needed to play in a top 5 league.”

Since then, the Belgium-born ace has continued to perform, particularly impressing on the front foot, having chipped in with four goals and one assist in the Belgian Pro League this season, which is a solid tally for a defender, and he has impressed on some other key metrics over the past year too.

Zakaria El Ouahdi’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Non-penalty goals

0.28 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

83.1% (87th percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

2.74 (91st percentile)

Blocks

1.56 (91st percentile)

Muniz is also known for his attacking exploits, amassing five goal contributions in the Premier League this season, which suggests the Genk star could be a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian.

That said, Palace should do their utmost to keep hold of their current right-back, given that he has already proven himself in England, and El Ouahdi is yet to test himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.