Liverpool have made a surprise move to hijack Newcastle United’s transfer pursuit of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, the Reds have suddenly triggered Munoz’s release clause, despite Newcastle having been in advanced talks over signing the Spain international.
“Newcastle in advanced talks for days but LFC enter the deal, verbally agree terms with Muñoz and activate €40m release clause. All set to be signed and another big surprise.”
According to further information from BBC Sport, Liverpool already have staff ready in the United States so that Munoz can undergo a medical while he’s with Spain for the World Cup.
A bargain or a gamble?
Munoz looks set to cost Liverpool just £34.6m, so it looks like they may have got themselves a real bargain there.
At the same time, some fans might view this as a bit of a gamble on a player for the future. He’s still relatively inexperienced and only scored seven goals in all competitions last season, hardly the kind of numbers that suggest he’s a Mohamed Salah replacement.
This could prove to be good business in the long run, but Liverpool will also surely need to invest bigger money in a more genuine world class talent who’s ready to come in and hit the ground running straight away.
Newcastle left frustrated
Newcastle, meanwhile, will no doubt be frustrated to miss out on Munoz. They’ve just sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and could have done with bringing this player in as a replacement.
The bottom line
Newcastle thought they had him. Liverpool swooped in. The release clause was triggered. Medical staff are already in the US.
Victor Munoz is heading to Anfield.
A surprise hijack. A £34.6m bargain. A player for the future.
And a reminder that in the transfer market, nothing is done until it’s done.
Newcastle are left to lick their wounds. Liverpool have their man. And Munoz will be a Red.
