Crystal Palace wingback Daniel Muñoz is travelling to Nottingham today to complete a move to Forest and reunite with former manager Oliver Glasner at the City Ground after a deal was agreed between the two clubs. The transfer is set to be completed for a fee in the region of £20m-£25m. 

Palace had already prepared for the potential loss of Muñoz with the signings of both Anan Khalaili and also Óscar Mingueza, allowing the 30-year-old Colombian to move on and offering Palace a final chance to cash in on a player who could be on the decline soon. 

Now, the Eagles are set to cash in, and Muñoz is set to make the switch to Forest where he will have a guarantee of a starting place. 

Whilst the agreement between the two clubs has been progressing, the performance from new signing Anan Khalaili at Selhurst Park has put him as the starting option for Pierre Sage, despite Palace’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Óscar Mingueza has also proven his worth and will likely make a strong backup option for Sage, especially when the Europa League and domestic cup competitions are in full swing. 

Khalaili registered ten successful tackles on his Premier League debut, the most of any player since Ngolo Kanté for Chelsea. 

The deal to sell Muñoz feels reminiscent of Joachim Andersen’s departure to Fulham. Many neutrals questioned Palace’s logic and decision making but within six months of the deal Andersen’s performance level had dropped drastically. 

Palace were suddenly on the better end of the deal when they had been tipped for relegation and instant doom by almost everyone else. Something similar is happening here. Cashing in and receiving a fee close to four times the original outlay to KRC Genk almost three years ago. 

Not only is it an excellent piece of business making significant profit on the original signing, but selling Muñoz at this point in his career is also a smart decision. Whilst he has been a significant figure for Palace and played a pivotal role in the success the club has seen, there is a sense that his form could see a downturn due to his age and reliance on his athleticism. 

The sale also allows Palace to return to the market with thrust and get the final incomings needed through the door.