REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Most Crystal Palace fans expected Oliver Glasner to come knocking for one of his former players once he controversially agreed to become Nottingham Forest manager.
Glasner, the most successful coach in Palace history, built a squad that won three trophies during his reign at Selhurst Park. His final act as Eagles boss came in Leipzig when he guided the South Londoners to Conference League glory.
Whether the Austrian has tarnished his legacy by opting to take over at the City Ground remains unclear. Other than Brighton & Hove Albion, Forest is the one club that the Holmesdale End didn't want to see him join.
Glasner got the best out of his players while at Palace, focusing on hard work and dedication, as he made clear throughout his inspiring interviews. There hasn't been a player who embodies exactly what he wants from a footballer more than Daniel Munoz, whom he called "unbelievable".
Glasner Wants Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Munoz didn't join Palace at a young age by any means. In fact, the Colombian arrived at Selhurst Park aged 27, a testament to Dougie Freedman's scouting during his time as sporting director.
The £6.8 million paid to Genk back in January 2024 has proven to be a bargain as Munoz has been one of the Eagles' best performers during their most successful era. He has been unbelievably consistent, and his assist record is extremely impressive.
Palace have a decision to make now as Glasner has decided he wants to take the Colombia international to Forest. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that the Tricky Trees have made a £20 million plus £2m in add-ons offer to sign him before next Tuesday's deadline (September 1st).
Steve Parish and his board find themselves in a difficult position and have to weigh up whether to cash in on a player now in his thirties for a decent fee. He will enter the final year of his contract next summer, and new signing Anan Khalaili is waiting in the wings.
That said, issues between the two clubs are well documented following the events that unfolded before last season's UEFA club competitions. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis played a significant role in Palace's demotion to the Conference League after raising concerns about compliance with UEFA's multi-club ownership.
Parish didn't forget this and made sure to point out that his club had qualified for a competition they belonged in when speaking after watching Glasner guide his troops to European glory. It's why making a decision about Munoz heading to the City Ground is so hard.
Munoz still has plenty to offer, and he's fresh off the back of a superb World Cup campaign with Colombia. His versatility allows him to take up several positions, including as the right-sided centre-back in a back three.
Don't Do It Parish
Glasner and Parish
If there were any other club making such an attractive offer for him, Parish would likely give the green light. But watching one of the Eagles' heroes play under Glasner at Forest is a sight no Palace fan will want to see.
The South Londoners need to factor in the prospect of strengthening a potential rival given the two clubs could be battling it out at the top or bottom half of the Premier League table this season. It's worth keeping the Colombian at Selhurst Park until at least January and seeing whether other clubs come into the picture.
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Daniel Munoz Under Oliver Glasner
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
It is surprising that one of the top-flight European contenders hasn't shown interest in Munoz. The likes of Liverpool, who have somewhat of a crisis in that position, and Manchester United, whose right-back options don't fill you with much confidence, should be on high alert.
Pierre Sage
Pierre Sage
Forest's offer might just help other clubs enter the race before the window closes, and if they are prepared to pay a similar price, that is the best outcome for Palace. If not, Pierre Sage will surely want to rely on Munoz's experience ahead of his club's debut Europa League campaign.