Liverpool have surprised fans worldwide by acting quickly and quietly to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna, hijacking Newcastle United talks for the second summer in a row.
Not only did Liverpool sign Alexander Isak from the Magpies last summer, but they also hijacked a nearly complete deal to sign Hugo Ekitike for £79m, and they’ve now done it again.
Late on Wednesday evening, Fabrizio Romano announced that the Reds had completed a deal to sign Munoz for €40m after triggering his release clause, signing all relevant documents and completing a medical at Spain’s World Cup camp in the United States.
?? EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO! ???
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 surpise. ? pic.twitter.com/iKjFWsR1nx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2026
Munoz arrival means that Liverpool will likely sell Federico Chiesa this summer
Following Romano’s exclusive on Wednesday, journalist Ben Jacobs reported extra information today after talking to his sources, sharing that one of the unfortunate results of this transfer is that Chiesa will now likely leave the club.
Jacobs reports via X: “More on Víctor Muñoz and Liverpool.LFC have triggered Muñoz’s €40m clause with the fee to be paid in two instalments. Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards worked discretely for some time in order to pull off the deal.
“Newcastle were in advanced talks, but Liverpool also won the race ahead of interest from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen. And Real Madrid explored bringing Muñoz back but concerns over playing time made this a non-starter. Muñoz was discussed with Andoni Iraola in early squad planning conversations allowing the club to move quickly.
“The appeal is in Muñoz’s ability to play left and right wing as well as centre-forward. This versatility also makes Liverpool feel Rio Ngumoha will still to get opportunities. Medical done on Wednesday after permission granted by the RFEF with Liverpool staff flying out to the United States.
“Muñoz has agreed a six-year contract. Meanwhile, it is likely Federico Chiesa departs, even though his style is well-suited to Iraola’s system. Italian is looking for regular minutes.”
More on Víctor Muñoz and Liverpool. #LFC have triggered Muñoz's €40m clause with the fee to be paid in two instalments.
Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards worked discretely for some time in order to pull off the deal.
Newcastle were in advanced talks, but Liverpool also won… pic.twitter.com/2lc552WHZw
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 18, 2026
Chiesa was reported to be staying just days ago, but now seems to be heading out the exit
Just four days ago, Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale, reporting for Tutto Juve claimed that Chiesa wanted to stay at Liverpool to fight for his place under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
He said: “Chiesa wants to stay at Liverpool. Beyond the links to Italian clubs like Como and Juventus, the player is determined to earn a starting spot with the new coach Iraola. Only the decision to put him on the market could change the current situation.”
Now, it appears as though there will be little room for him to remain at Anfield after Munoz signing and Liverpool’s continued plans to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
It’s a pity, as the Italian forward has had a rough time of things since joining the Merseysiders in 2024, when he signed a £180,000 per week contract.