- Newcastle United bid for Victor Munoz
- Aston Villa and Sunderland handed boost in Craig Hope update
- Real Madrid hold cheap buy-back clause for Munoz
Aston Villa and Sunderland could still launch a hijack move for Newcastle United target Victor Munoz, despite a confirmed bid from the Magpies.
Newcastle have only just confirmed the signing of £18.5 million man Ewen Jaouen from Reims this week but are wasting no time in bolstering their squad this summer.
On Thursday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that an official bid had been sent to Osasuna from Newcastle for Munoz. The suggested fee is unknown, but is expected to be below the player’s £35 million release clause.
Aston Villa and Sunderland can still hijack Victor Munoz transfer
Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope reports that, since no clause has yet been activated, no agreement has been finalised between Newcastle United and Osasuna.
That leaves the door open for a Premier League rival to hijack the deal. Both Aston Villa and Sunderland have been credited with longstanding interest.
The Villains have been widely reported to be potential suitors, with the BBC also carrying reports of interest from the Black Cats. Both those sides would be able to offer the 22-year-old European football next year – which Newcastle cannot.
Aston Villa have qualified for the Champions League, both via their league position and Europa League triumph, with Sunderland also booking a place in the Europa League.
Should either club, or the Magpies, meet the £35 million release clause then a sale can be automatically given the green light – so long as personal terms are agreed.
Newcastle United bid submitted for Anthony Gordon replacement
Munoz registered seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for Osasuna last season and would add versatility to any Premier League squad.
Importantly, for the Magpies, the forward is comfortable playing on the left wing and could be viewed as a replacement for Anthony Gordon.
Munoz has never played in the Champions League or Europa League so far in his career. The winger was involved at the Club World Cup last summer with Real Madrid.
Osusana only signed the player ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, paying just £5 million to Real Madrid. Munoz signed a five-year contract at the time but knows an exit could be granted given that release clause.
The Athletic claims that Real Madrid inserted a buy-back clause in the player’s deal, which would cost the Galacticos a mere £7 million. The La Liga giants are believed to be considering that option.
A lot could depend on how Munoz fares as part of the Spain squad at the World Cup this summer. The winger has made just two senior appearances for the nation, coming in friendlies in March, but scored in his debut during a 3-0 win over Serbia.
Spain begin their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Monday before taking on Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
In other news, Newcastle United will be shooting themselves in the foot if they agree £40m Aston Villa deal.
