Crystal Palace plot move to sign ‘the next Daniel Munoz’ after transfer mission
Crystal Palace are considering making a formal offer to sign Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi in an attempt to address their squad depth issues.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace have been “doing their due diligence” with scouts keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.
Daniel Munoz‘s long-term injury has exposed a glaring weakness in Oliver Glasner‘s squad, with Nathaniel Clyne also picking up an injury in recent weeks.
As a result, they have turned to Munoz’s former club, where El Ouahdi has thrived since replacing the dynamic wing-back after his move to Selhurst Park.
El Ouahdi, a Morocco international, has scored four goals and provided one assist in 14 Pro League appearances so far this season and is seen as a top target.
Crystal Palace eye Zakaria El Ouahdi transfer
Brown told Football Insider on 4 January that Crystal Palace are prepared to spend big in January, following the early arrival of Brennan Johnson from Tottenham.
The addition of a right-wing-back is believed to be next on their list, and El Ouahdi remains a key target despite no official offer having been made yet.
“Crystal Palace are working to find a replacement for Munoz,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He [El Ouahdi] is somebody they’ve identified who fits that mould, he’s an attacking wing-back, and they would’ve had scouts out there keeping tabs on him.
“So Palace are doing their due diligence on this one and it certainly seems to be a deal they want to do.
“Then they’ll know the player’s view on it as well, whether he wants to make the move, if he’s willing to be a backup and what the plans are going forward.
“Munoz has been one of the best in his position in the league since he arrived at Palace, and is certainly up there with the likes of Mateta and Eze for his importance to them.
“So to replace him is always going to be a difficult task, but it’s something Palace are aware of and have been working on. That’s how it should be.“
Could Daniel Munoz quit Crystal Palace?
Palace’s interest in El Ouahdi comes not only as they aim to add cover to their squad, but also as part of plans to identify a long-term successor to Munoz.
Brown told Football Insider on 14 November that Crystal Palace hope to keep Munoz beyond the January transfer window despite the growing interest.
However, the Colombia international has been forthcoming with his plans to eventually move on to a bigger club, having previously mentioned Barcelona and Man United.
Brown told Football Insider on 17 November that Man United could explore signing Munoz in January after being alerted to his interest in joining.
This comes after Munoz opened the door to joining Man United after admitting it would be a “dream” to play for the likes of United, Barcelona, PSG or Real Madrid.
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