(foto: Getty Images)
Liverpool has reportedly activated Victor Muñoz's €40 million release clause, beating Newcastle to one of Spain's most promising young attackers.
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Liverpool appear to have pulled off one of the biggest transfer hijacks of the summer by securing the signing of Victor Muñoz, a player who seemed destined to join Newcastle United only days ago.
The Premier League champions have reportedly activated the winger's €40 million release clause at Osasuna, paving the way for the 22-year-old Spaniard to sign a long-term contract running until June 2032.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Muñoz has already completed his medical examination in the United States, where he is currently representing Spain at the World Cup.
The move represents an important early statement from Liverpool under new manager Andoni Iraola, who recently replaced Arne Slot at Anfield.
Newcastle had spent weeks working on the deal and was widely considered the favorite to land the player. The Magpies are actively searching for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Anthony Gordon and had already made significant progress in negotiations.
Liverpool's intervention changed everything.
The club moved quickly, matched Osasuna's demands, and convinced Muñoz that his future should be on Merseyside rather than at St James' Park.
Many observers already view the Spaniard as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, although replacing one of Liverpool's greatest modern players remains a daunting challenge for any newcomer.
Muñoz arrives after an impressive breakthrough season in La Liga. He scored seven goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances for Osasuna, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young attacking players in Spanish football.
His performances earned him a place in Spain's World Cup squad and a senior international debut earlier this year.
One of the reasons for the growing excitement around Muñoz is his versatility. Comfortable on either wing, he combines pace, direct dribbling, and intelligent movement, qualities that fit perfectly with Iraola's aggressive style of football.
The transfer also completes a remarkable rise for a player whose value has exploded within a single year.
Osasuna paid only €5 million to sign him from Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. Twelve months later, they are selling him for eight times that amount.
Madrid, however, will not be leaving empty-handed.
When Muñoz departed the Santiago Bernabéu, Real negotiated a deal that included a 50 percent share of any future transfer fee as well as a right of first refusal. As a result, the Spanish giants are expected to receive a substantial financial boost from Liverpool's move.
Reports in Spain suggest that Madrid considered bringing the player back themselves. However, Muñoz reportedly had doubts about the amount of playing time he would receive under José Mourinho and preferred a clearer path to regular football.
For Liverpool, the signing represents both an investment in the future and an immediate addition to the squad.
For Newcastle, it is a painful reminder that even advanced negotiations offer no guarantees when one of Europe's biggest clubs decides to enter the race.