Liverpool triggered the €40 million (£34.6 million) release clause for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz. The sudden move hijacks advanced negotiations between the 22-year-old Spanish international and Newcastle United. Munoz has already completed his medical and is expected to sign a contract running until 2032. The transfer marks the first acquisition under incoming manager Andoni Iraola as the club reshapes its attack during the 2026 World Cup window.
What We Know
- Newcastle United held an agreement in principle but stalled over payment structuring with Osasuna.
- Munoz recorded seven goals and five assists in 36 La Liga appearances during the 2025/2026 campaign.
- Real Madrid is owed a percentage of the final transfer fee due to a previous academy sell-on clause.
- The acquisition does not impact Liverpool’s ongoing £85 million pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande.
Newcastle spent weeks attempting to finalize the deal but structural delays opened the door for a rival bid. Liverpool capitalized on the stalled talks, according to reports highlighting the structural delays, to activate the clause directly. The swift intervention secures a highly rated attacker who is currently playing for Spain at the World Cup.
Securing Munoz sets the tone for the Iraola era at Anfield. The club quickly moved to agree to personal terms and complete the medical evaluation. The arrival of the direct, dribbling winger immediately raises questions regarding the future of Cody Gakpo, who is reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
The €40 million fee is fixed by the release clause. Sky Sports confirmed the initial breaking headline regarding the hijack on Thursday. Liverpool is pushing to officially announce the contract in the coming days while simultaneously fending off Paris Saint-Germain for Diomande.