Liverpool have hijacked Newcastle United’s move for Victor Munoz after triggering the Osasuna winger’s £34.5m release clause. The 22-year-old Spain international had been lined up by Newcastle, who believed they had an agreement in place before Liverpool moved ahead of them, according to a fresh update from Sky Sports News.
Sky report that Munoz has already undergone a medical with Liverpool in the United States, where he is currently with Spain at the World Cup, and is expected to sign a six-year contract at Anfield. Liverpool are set to pay the fee in two instalments.
Newcastle Left To Assess Another Liverpool Transfer Blow
The painful part for Newcastle is how advanced their own work appears to have been. The Magpies reportedly had a £33.3m package accepted by Osasuna, with an initial £29m plus £4.3m in add-ons, while personal terms and agent fees were also understood to be agreed.
Munoz had even told Newcastle he wanted the move, but the club were then asked by the player’s representatives to wait during the final 24 hours. Liverpool’s involvement was not completely new, yet the speed of the Anfield move has left Newcastle trying to establish how the deal turned.
For Eddie Howe, it is an immediate recruitment setback. Munoz’s pace, versatility and ability to play across the front line made him a natural wide option, and Newcastle must now decide how quickly to redirect that work before other targets are pulled into the market.
