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Newcastle United have once again left with egg on their face as Liverpool have beaten them to a key transfer target in Victor Munoz
For weeks, this looked like a done deal for the Magpies. Newcastle United had done their homework, made their move, and were closing in on one of La Liga’s most exciting young talents.
Victor Munoz was, by all accounts, heading to St James’ Park. Then Anfield came calling, and everything changed.
Now Lee Ryder of the Chronicle has reported that the Spaniard actually had an agreement in personal terms with the Magpies, but now Eddie Howe’s side have been left “rocked” with the developments:
“It is believed that Newcastle had agreed a contract in principle with Munoz and were hopeful of getting the move completed but our information is that the player chose to join Liverpool.”
“Munoz has been told the terms of Liverpool, and his head was turned by the Anfield club despite Newcastle doing everything that was asked of them to get the deal done.”
“Chronicle Live understands that the Reds have triggered the agreement of £35m, but it is believed that Newcastle DID make an offer that was deemed acceptable by Osasuna.”
It then appears that Newcastle offered a fee below the release clause, although it was accepted by Osasuna.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans could be forgiven for not knowing who the Spaniard is exactly.
Munoz – full name Víctor Munoz Villanueva – is a 22-year-old left winger born in Barcelona on July 13, 2003.
He began his youth career at FC Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before moving to Real Madrid’s setup in 2021.It’s an unusual path that immediately tells you how highly-rated he is.
After a period with Real Madrid Castilla, scoring 13 goals in 63 reserve appearances, he earned a brief taste of first-team football at the Bernabeu before Osasuna came calling last summer.
Signed for just €5 million in July 2025, Munoz repaid that faith immediately – making 34 La Liga appearances, scoring 6 goals and contributing 2 assists in his debut top-flight season.
He earned his first two senior Spain caps in 2026, scoring on debut in a friendly against Serbia in March, and was named in the Spanish squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.