Is Daniel Munoz the right man for Everton and David Moyes in the summer transfer window?
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Everton remain in the market to sign a new right-back, with Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz the latest player to be linked.
The Colombian international has two years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles having the option of an additional 12 months.
Munoz has emerged as a genuine target for Everton this summer, and the Palace right-back was spotted allegedly waving goodbye to supporters in their final pre-season game of the summer.
At the age of 30, Munoz might not be the long-term answer for Everton at right-back, but there's no doubt he'd walk straight into David Moyes' starting XI.
Recruitment is, of course, not that simple. Many other factors come into play, such as finances, whether a player fits, etc.
In this article, we'll go over some of those factors, with Munoz being heavily linked with a move to Everton this summer.
Finances
With Munoz being 30 years old, it doesn't make sense to invest heavily in bringing him to the club. There's no doubt he's a fantastic player, but you're only likely to get a few years out of him at the top level.
Munoz relies heavily on his physicality, bombing up and down the right-hand side. If he starts to lose that bit of pace or explosiveness, he's unlikely to be the same player.
That doesn't mean you can't invest in older players. Christian Norgaard, I believe, was a smart signing. Relatively cheap and fits what we need.
For me, it feels like there is little reason for Palace to sell on the cheap. He has plenty of time remaining on his contract, doesn't appear to be forcing a move, and has been a key player for them.
One caveat is that they've strengthed significantly at right-back in the summer already, perhaps preparing for his departure. That doesn't mean they'll let him go cheap, though.
It does feel like the price Palace would want for him would make this a very expensive deal for a 30-year-old, despite the fact that he would significantly strengthen us.
Profile
The obvious concern about Daniel Munoz is that he's more suited to playing in a wing-back role. That doesn't mean he can't play at full-back. Munoz did so at the World Cup, and he's so energetic that even if he vacates the full-back position when bombing forward, he's quick to get back into position.
In terms of what I want from a full-back, Munoz is actually the ideal profile. A serious threat in the final third through his creativity and goalscoring, and also a strong defender.
Munoz regularly bombs on into the final third to be an option, helping his right-winger avoid being left in 1v2 situations. His profile would undoubtedly help the likes of Tyler Dibling on the right, dragging away markers to allow the young winger to isolate the opposition full-back.
Signing another right-back
If someone like Munoz does arrive, it would be good to see Everton still try to plan for the long-term future. Bringing in another right-back who is younger, and can learn and develop from Munoz would be a smart move.
If we sign Munoz, we're essentially kicking the can down the road when it comes to the right-back situation. He'll undoubtedly improve and help us for the next few years, but you're then searching for another right-back.
Conclusion
I wouldn't be against signing Munoz at the right price. I think at around £15m, you're looking at someone who'd be a better value option than the likes of Alistair Johnston and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
As mentioned, it would be good to get a cheap, project right-back alongside him, allowing Nathan Patterson to leave the club. Even signing a right-back to then send on loan would be beneficial, having Jake O'Brien and Merlin Rohl as your backup options.
It's the type of signing that hinges massively on the finances of the deal. The £25m figure being reported from various outlet seems excessive, but I can also understand why Palace would demand that much.
Sign Munoz for the right price, and you're certainly getting a very good right-back. It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out.