Liverpool look to have snatched Victor Munoz from Newcastle United's clutches - but there are plenty of alternatives out there
It’s not going to be another transfer window like this, is it? Last summer, Newcastle United suffered the indignity of failing to sign about half a dozen of their striker targets, with the likes of Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro all opting to join rival Premier League clubs. They ended up panic-buying two backup options, who scored a combined total of nine goals in the league last season.
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It now looks like the same frustrations are happening again as Newcastle race to replace England international Anthony Gordon, following his big-money move to Barcelona. Over the past couple of weeks, the St. James’ Park side had been heavily linked with Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, but now it appears that Liverpool are set to hijack the deal.
Transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano broke the news late on Wednesday night that the Reds have swooped in to bag Munoz for themselves, triggering his £35m release clause and moving swiftly to agree personal terms with the 22-year-old gem. The pressure is now on for Newcastle to find an alternative, and there are plenty of quality options out there to consider.
With two and a half months of the transfer window left to go, the Magpies have time to get the decision right. However, with the FIFA World Cup currently taking place in North America, a number of their potential targets may be putting their club future on the back burner for now, with quadrennial international tournament taking priority for the next few weeks.
As Newcastle dust themselves down and look to go again in their search for a Gordon replacement, we’ve taken a look at some of the alternative options likely to be on the market this summer.
Munoz alternatives Newcastle could sign - Proven Premier League options
Marcus Rashford - Manchester United: Gordon’s move to Barcelona means that the Catalan giants won’t be signing the 28-year-old on a permanent transfer, and he looks to have no future at Old Trafford either. He could be sold for around £30m-£40m, and could be an ideal signing for Newcastle with his direct, rapid attacking play and lethal finishing.
Competition for Rashford is likely to be fierce, however, with his former loan club Aston Villa set to be in the race to sign him. His wages are also set to be a stumbling block for any potential suitor, with the versatile forward said to be on around £300k per week. If Newcastle can get those numbers down, they could sign themselves a real gem.
Cody Gakpo - Liverpool: The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with an Anfield exit since Arne Slot left the club at the end of last season, following the Reds’ dismal attempts to defend their Premier League title. With Munoz arriving, Gakpo’s exit looks more likely, with wonderkid Ryo Ngumoha likely to get more game-time next season.
It’s worth noting that Tottenham have been linked with Gakpo in recent weeks, as the north London side continue an early-window blitz that has already seen them make bold moves for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke. Like Rashford, he can play on the wing or lead the line, and could be a decent left-field signing for Eddie Howe’s side.
Richarlison - Tottenham: Speaking of versatile left-field options, why not take a look at Richarlison? While he’s primarily a central forward player, the Brazil international can do a fine job on the wing on his day. He could add some more Samba flair to a side already featuring his compatriots Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who would help him feel at home on Tyneside straight away.
A combustible character who’s known to throw his toys out the pram when things aren’t going his way on occasion, you never know quite what you’re going to get with Richarlison. That said, he’s a top class operator on his day, and Newcastle could be the ideal club for the 29-year-old - who scored 11 league goal last season despite Spurs’ dire efforts - to reignite his career.
Munoz alternatives Newcastle could sign - Proven Premier League options
Said El Mala - FC Koln: Another player said to be firmly on Newcastle’s radar, the Germany U21 international looks highly likely to leave the Bundesliga this summer. Brentford nearly signed him earlier this month in what would have been a record fee for the Bees, only for the deal to fall apart at the contract stage, and now he’s up for grabs once more.
Newcastle are said to have the 19-year-old high up on their transfer priority list, with the club keen to sign some talented youngsters this summer. Like with Munoz, the threat of a hijack is always there, with Tottenham now said to be ready to make their move. The Magpies may need to move quickly on this one.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo - Lille: The Belgium international was linked with the Magpies last month, as the club drew up their list of Gordon replacements before his eventual move to Barcelona. The 21-year-old made his country’s World Cup squad and will be hoping for some more minutes throughout the tournament, after featuring in their 1-1 opening game with Egypt.
The Brussels-born ace had a decent 2025/26 season in Ligue 1, scoring eight goals and providing five assists, and has been hotly tipped as a real prospect for the future. His asking price could be steep, however, with the ex-Gent star likely to command a fee upwards of £60m. Still, you’d expect Newcastle to be able to pay that reasonably comfortably.
Afonso Moreira - Lyon: Another 21-year-old Ligue 1 talent, Moreira could also be set for pastures new this summer. His name cropped up as a potential Newcastle target around a month ago, with Chelsea also said to be in the running to sign the Portuguese talent. To sign him, the Magpies may need to pull a hijack of their own, however, with Bayer Leverkusen said to be in pole position to get the deal done.
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