Crystal Palace confirm the £8.5m signing of Daniel Munoz from Genk after the right back went on strike to force through a move to the Premier League side

Crystal Palace have announced the arrival of their new right back, Daniel Munoz, from Belgian side Genk. 

The Colombian right back completed a medical at the club on Friday, before the transfer was completed on Tuesday morning, after the player went on strike to force through the move. 

Munoz has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Belgian side, with an option for a further 12 months, but the Eagles quickly swooped to bring the 27-year-old to the English top-flight. 

While an initial deal was thought to cost the club around £10million, he is believed to have joined Roy Hodgson‘s side for just £8.5m.

The player has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park, with an option for a further 12 months. 

The Colombian international forced through a transfer after going on strike at his former club Genk 

On the announcement of his signing for Palace, the player called it ‘a dream come true’, as he prepares to help Crystal Palace put together an improved run of form.  

‘It’s a pleasure for me to be here at such a historic club, such a big club as Crystal Palace,’ he said. ‘I’m very excited, very happy, and I can’t wait to be on the pitch.

‘I think it’s a dream come true for me and I hope to be up to the task.’

Munoz has won 23 caps for his country and has been impressive form for Genk this term with seven goals and two assists in 29 appearances from right back in all competitions. 

That comes after a further eight goals in 2022-23, suggesting that Palace have snapped up a player with a healthy influence at both ends of the pitch. 

Munoz is set to watch Tuesday’s Premier League clash at home to Sheffield United, but could be in contention for his Palace debut in this weekend’s trip to rivals Brighton. 

He now joins a Palace side in dire straits, with pressure growing on the board and Roy Hodgson in the dugout after recent protests from fans during the Eagles’ trip to Arsenal. 

The club have only won one of their last 12 matches in all competitions and are now just five points ahead of the relegation zone, having played a game more than 18th-placed Luton. 

Munoz joins a Palace side on a desperate run of form with just one win from 12 matches

Eagles fans voiced their frustrations with the club via a banner during their clash with Arsenal

Palace chairman Steve Parish claimed Munoz’s ‘ability, athleticism and tenacity’ would be a boost to his side

‘We are delighted to welcome a player of Daniel’s quality and character to the club,’ Palace chairman Steve Parish added. 

‘He has experience at the highest level for club and country, and he possesses an impressive record going forwards for a full back.

‘I am certain his ability, athleticism and tenacity will be a huge boost to the squad for the remainder of the season, and beyond.’

After signing from Colombia’s Atletico Nacional four years ago for £4m, Munoz went on the play 148 times for the Jupiler Pro League club, helping them to the 2021 Croky Cup before departing for Palace.