Liverpool weigh move for Palace flier Daniel Muñoz — but centre-back should top Slot’s January list

Liverpool are sniffing around Crystal Palace’s marauding wing-back Daniel Muñoz, according to fresh reports, but let’s have it right — if Arne Slot is splashing January cash, it surely has to be on a centre-half.

Reds test the waters for Muñoz

Per CaughtOffside, Liverpool have entered the race for Muñoz as they weigh options on the right. The Colombian has been hailed by Sky Sports’ Nick Wright as arguably the standout wing-back in the division, and it’s easy to see why: high engine, constant overlaps, and end product in the final third.

Palace, though, aren’t playing ball. The Eagles have made it clear there’ll be no mid-season sale, so any move would require patience or a sizeable rethink from Selhurst Park. And while Muñoz turns 30 later this campaign — unusual territory for Liverpool’s recruitment team — the profile does tick a fair few Slot boxes.

Right side in flux under Slot

The right flank has been a revolving door. With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both dealing with fitness issues, Dominik Szoboszlai has been pressed into emergency full-back duty. That’s not ideal for balance or for getting the best out of your midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold departed in the summer, leaving a leadership and distribution gap that’s been tricky to fill.

Muñoz offers thrust, but he’s most comfortable in a back five, more winger than orthodox defender. Slot’s side asks for compact distances and control in a back four — it’s a fit question as much as a talent one.

Centre-back: the clear and present need

Here’s the nub: Liverpool’s bigger headache is smack in the middle. Ibrahima Konaté hasn’t hit his previous levels, and beyond him the options are either short of form or minutes. If it comes down to one major addition, the spine must win the argument.

In fact, if you’re weighing up January punts on the best betting sites, the smart money would go on Liverpool prioritising a centre-half — it’s the obvious play given the balance of this squad.

What Muñoz would bring — and what it means for Salah

As an addition, Muñoz would raise the athletic ceiling on the right and push Frimpong when everyone’s fit. He’d also offer flexibility if Slot toggles to a back three in-game. But this is a luxury buy before the basics are sorted. Meanwhile, Liverpool want Mohamed Salah to remain at Anfield until at least season’s end, so there’s no pressing need to shake up the attack mid-season.

Pundit’s verdict

Good player, fair price at the right time — but this doesn’t feel like the right time. Liverpool’s January shopping list should have “centre-back” scrawled across the top in thick red ink, with a right-back/wing-back only considered once the spine is reinforced. Muñoz would be a nice-to-have; a commanding defender is a must-have.