With the window for winter transfer now closed, speculation simply would not stop. This time, it concerns Daniel Muñoz, right-back at Crystal Palace, whose excellent displays in the Premier League have seen him gain interest from European giants like Barcelona, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
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The 28-year-old Colombian is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, putting up solid numbers and constantly producing excellent displays. But is a move to Barça realistic? More importantly, does it even make sense?
The financial situation at the Catalan club remains a riddle, and signing a player valued at €25 million isn't as straightforward as it seems. Let's detail some pros and cons of the transfer, and see whether Muñoz might be the solution to a problem Barça have been facing for years.
Emerging star in the Premier League
The right-back has impressive numbers in England, with direct involvement in goals and regularity in the starting lineup. Naturally, he has attracted interest from elite clubs, including a number of the wealthiest in Europe. The race to take him away from Palace will be incredibly intense, something that could very well prove too difficult for a club that's not financially healthy. For Barcelona, that's an undeniable complication.
Can Barça afford Muñoz?
That's the big question. The financial struggles of Barcelona are anything but over, with a club still in the shadow of highly questionable management and inflated contracts while having to cut wages on an ongoing basis.
Even recent sales and reductions, the Catalans just can't pull out the checkbook and drop a €25m bomb without it having repercussions one way or another.
Another problem that complicates the operation even more is the financial planning of the club. In the way are the financial fair play regulations of La Liga, and any move should be calculated not to compromise future signings. Does Barça need a right-back? Yes, but not whatever the cost.
Does Muñoz solve Barcelona's right-back situation?
Right-back has been a long-term headache for Barcelona. Without Dani Alves, different solutions have been tried by the club, none of them really successful. It wasn't until Jules Koundé stepped in that the position showed a little bit of stability.
But there is a but: he isn't a proper right-back. He's a centre-back who has adapted to the position. He does his job well there, though it is not his best.
Including Muñoz into the team means adding a real professional to it, a natural performer of the position who offers security in the rear and an attacking balance at the same time. This also would give more tactical flexibility for Hansi Flick, and he could play Koundé at his favorite position, center-back, thus assuring more fluent defending of his team.
The problem is, though, is he worth the investment? Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly join the chase, meaning the Blaugrana will have to make their move now and propose an attractive project.