BREAKING: Liverpool have pulled off a last minute coup in the transfer market, triggering Víctor Muñoz’s €40 million release clause at Osasuna and snatching the Spain international away from Newcastle United, who were already deep into negotiations for the winger.
Liverpool moved decisively to activate the full release clause rather than enter prolonged negotiations with Osasuna, a tactic that allowed them to wrap up the transfer with unusual speed.
Reports indicate the medical has already been completed, with Liverpool sending staff out to the United States, where Muñoz is currently stationed with the Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, to get the formalities done on the spot.
The 22 year old is set to sign a long term contract running through 2032, and he becomes the first official signing of new head coach Andoni Iraola’s tenure at Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG’s CEO of football, are understood to have led the negotiations on Liverpool’s end.
How Liverpool Beat Newcastle to the Punch
Newcastle had identified Muñoz as a top target after selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, and were reportedly in advanced talks to bring him to St James’ Park. Liverpool’s intervention caught most observers off guard, with the deal reportedly coming together with very little indication it was even on the table.
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have done this to Newcastle. Last summer, the Reds swooped in to sign Hugo Ekitiké after Newcastle had been the long term favourites to land him, a pattern that’s now repeated itself with Muñoz.
Who Is Víctor Muñoz?
Muñoz came through the youth ranks at both Barcelona’s La Masia academy and Real Madrid, making a handful of senior appearances for Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso.
He moved to Osasuna for a reported €5 million in 2025 and quickly established himself as one of La Liga’s most exciting wide players, contributing seven goals across more than 30 appearances last season.
Statistically, he’s been named as one of the most dangerous dribblers in Europe’s top five leagues, reportedly ranking in the 98th percentile among wide players for take ons per 100 touches, according to data cited by The Athletic.
He made his senior debut for Spain in March, scoring in a friendly win over Serbia, and earned a place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad, though he is yet to feature in the tournament.
Why Liverpool Needed Him
Mohamed Salah’s departure left a gaping hole in Liverpool’s attack, and the situation is further complicated by Hugo Ekitiké’s expected absence at the start of the season due to an Achilles injury. Federico Chiesa is also widely expected to leave the club, making attacking reinforcements an urgent priority for Iraola as he begins his first season in charge after arriving from Bournemouth.
Muñoz, with his pace, directness, and ability to beat defenders one on one, is seen as an ideal fit to add dynamism out wide.
What’s Next
The move is not expected to affect Liverpool’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, with the club reportedly still confident of landing the 19 year old despite competition from Paris Saint Germain.
For Newcastle, the failed pursuit means a return to the market to find an alternative attacking option following Gordon’s sale.
