Report: Barcelona ‘ready to bid’ £26m to sign Crystal Palace star | OneFootball

Barcelona prepare £26m offer for Crystal Palace star as Flick targets tactical shift

Barcelona step up pursuit of Crystal Palace defender

Barcelona are preparing a formal offer worth around £26 million for Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz, according to TeamTalk, citing Spanish outlet Fichajes. The La Liga side, led by manager Hansi Flick, have reportedly made the Colombian international their top target as they seek to reinforce the right-back position ahead of a planned tactical reshuffle.

Barca scouts have been tracking Munoz closely since his move to Palace and are said to be “stunned” by his rapid adaptation to Premier League football. Their belief is that the 29-year-old would be open to the move, particularly given the chance to play Champions League football.

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Sources suggest Barcelona’s initial €30 million (£26 million) bid may not be enough, with Palace likely to demand a higher figure. Munoz’s current deal runs until June 2028, giving Oliver Glasner’s side a strong negotiating position.

Glasner determined to keep key player

Palace boss Oliver Glasner views Munoz as an integral part of his tactical setup. The Austrian manager is expected to fight any attempt to prise him away, having previously intervened to block Marc Guehi’s deadline-day move to Liverpool.

“Munoz has been central to everything we do,” Glasner is believed to have told his staff recently. His ability to combine defensive diligence with attacking intent has made him a fixture in Palace’s system.

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Flick’s Barcelona, however, appear determined to move quickly. The report claims the Catalan giants have “accelerated contacts” and could make an improved bid in the coming weeks, with Atletico Madrid also monitoring developments closely.

Munoz attracting elite attention

Jamie Carragher recently described Munoz as “the best wing-back in the Premier League,” praising his relentless energy, decision-making, and end product. His blend of stamina and intelligence has caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City also following his progress.

Munoz’s emergence at Selhurst Park has coincided with Palace’s efforts to transition into a more aggressive, modern side under Glasner. His overlapping runs and quick recovery pace have been crucial to the team’s shape, and his leadership qualities have added further value to the dressing room.

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Barca’s long-term defensive plan

For Flick, Munoz’s arrival could trigger a wider tactical reshuffle. Jules Kounde has largely operated at right-back in recent seasons, but the addition of Munoz would allow the Frenchman to shift back into his preferred central role alongside Pau Cubarsi.

Barcelona’s interest also extends to other Premier League defenders, including Guehi and Dayot Upamecano, as they search for long-term stability at the back. While Fichajes’ reliability is occasionally questioned, TeamTalk notes that the growing noise around Munoz’s situation is significant, suggesting that an official approach is now likely.

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Daniel Munoz has become a cult figure at Selhurst Park, embodying the spirit and energy that fans admire. Losing him, especially so soon after Marc Guehi’s expected departure next summer, would feel like a major step backwards.

Fans know Barcelona’s allure is difficult to compete with, but the hope is that Palace stand firm. Glasner’s system relies heavily on wide players who can defend and attack in equal measure, and Munoz fits that brief perfectly.

If Palace were to sell, supporters would expect a fee well beyond £26 million. With his contract secure until 2028 and his form at its peak, this should be Palace’s strongest negotiating position in years. The next few weeks will reveal whether Barcelona’s interest is genuine or speculative, but fans will be watching closely, hoping that their standout performer remains in South London for at least another season.