Newcastle United’s pursuit of Victor Munoz remains one of the most closely watched stories on Tyneside. As of 17 September 2026, reports suggest the club are edging closer to an agreement with the Osasuna winger. Here is the latest on where things stand. That includes the key financial detail and a crucial clarification on Real Madrid’s involvement.
H2: Updated status: Newcastle pursue Victor Munoz agreement
According to reports and journalist Craig Hope, Newcastle continue to push hard for a deal that would bring Munoz to St James’ Park. Hope has indicated the two parties are nearing an agreement, with the winger firmly established as a priority target.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope said: “The player we are expecting to arrive at Newcastle is Victor Munoz; they’re really close to an agreement on that.” That assessment fits Newcastle’s long-term transfer strategy at St James’ Park. The club has focused on signing young, technically gifted players who can grow into the first team over time.
H2: Victor Munoz’s release clause and Real Madrid’s 50% stake
Any deal for Munoz will be shaped by two financial factors that Newcastle’s recruitment team have had to navigate. The first is his release clause at Osasuna, which stands at £34.6m (€40m).
The second is Real Madrid’s continued interest in the player’s future value. The Spanish giants retain 50% of Munoz’s rights and sell-on value. That is a legacy of the deal that took him to Osasuna from the Bernabeu academy setup. That means any transfer fee triggered by the release clause would still owe Real Madrid a significant share. That applies even though the Spanish club would not be the one selling him.
H2: Crucial Real Madrid buy-back clause update
One detail has been causing concern among supporters following the deal closely. Could Real Madrid insert a buy-back clause into Munoz’s contract as part of any move to Newcastle? According to Craig Hope, that is not the case.
Hope addressed the speculation directly, saying: “Newcastle are really positive; there are a couple of complicating factors in terms of the logistics of Munoz actually being out here. Crucially on this as well, the suggestion in Spain that Real Madrid would have a buy-back clause in Munoz’s contract if he did sign for Newcastle – I’m told that is not the case.”
H2: Is there a Real Madrid buy-back clause in Victor Munoz’s contract?
No. According to Craig Hope, Real Madrid will not have a buy-back clause written into Munoz’s contract if he completes a move to Newcastle. That leaves the club free to build around him without the risk of Real Madrid reclaiming him at a fixed price further down the line.
Hope was unambiguous on what that means for Newcastle in practice: “If Munoz comes to Newcastle, at no point would they be vulnerable to Real Madrid coming in at any point down the line and saying ‘He’s our player now; we’ll take him back’.” Real Madrid’s 50% sell-on interest remains in place. But the absence of a buy-back option removes a significant layer of risk from any long-term investment in the winger.
H2: What happens next in Newcastle’s move for Victor Munoz
Munoz’s international commitments have added a logistical wrinkle to negotiations. He has been with Spain in America for the World Cup. According to Craig Hope, he was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Hope explained the situation: “He’s currently out here (in America) with Spain at the World Cup; didn’t get on yesterday during that 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, but I’m told that one is close to an agreement. ” His comments point to a deal that is progressing steadily. That is despite the practical challenges of finalising terms while the player is on international duty on another continent.
For now, supporters are left to track a story that appears to be moving in Newcastle’s favour. The release clause figure and Real Madrid’s sell-on stake are already clear, and the buy-back clause concern has now been addressed. Further reporting on the timeline for a formal agreement is expected in the coming weeks, and this page will be updated as more details emerge. Full detail from Hope’s original comments can be found in the original Newcastle United transfer report.
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