Liverpool have reportedly beaten Newcastle United to the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz after moving quickly to trigger the player’s release clause.
The Reds are understood to have agreed a deal worth around £34.6m for the highly-rated Spain international, who had been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent weeks.
Liverpool‘s intervention appears to have changed the course of the transfer, with the player now set to head to Anfield instead.
Breakthrough season attracts Premier League interest
Munoz enjoyed a breakthrough season with Osasuna and emerged as one of the most exciting young attackers in La Liga.
The 22-year-old scored six goals and registered two assists during the 2025/26 campaign, performances that helped him earn a place in Spain’s World Cup squad.
Newcastle had been working on a deal for several weeks and were believed to be close to securing the winger’s signature.
The Magpies identified Munoz as a replacement for Anthony Gordon following the England international’s move to Barcelona and were prepared to meet Osasuna’s demands.
However, Liverpool stepped in at the final stage and activated the player’s full release clause, removing the need for lengthy negotiations.
Reports suggest personal terms have already been agreed and Munoz will undergo the necessary medical checks while away with the Spain squad at the World Cup.
The move would represent another significant piece of business for Liverpool as they continue rebuilding their squad ahead of the new season.
The club are looking to strengthen their attacking options following Mohamed Salah’s departure and have been linked with several wide forwards during the summer window.
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Real Madrid set to benefit from transfer
Munoz began his development in Barcelona before spending time in Real Madrid‘s academy.
He joined Osasuna last summer and quickly established himself as a regular first-team player.
Real Madrid are also set to benefit financially from the transfer due to clauses inserted into the deal when they sold him to Osasuna. Reports in Spain suggest the Spanish giants will receive around £17.2m from the deal.
Liverpool are expected to hand the winger a long-term contract running until 2032.
Once the World Cup is over, Munoz is expected to link up with his new team-mates and begin preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, which will be a major disappointment for Newcastle after appearing to lead the race for the player.
Liverpool, meanwhile, look set to secure one of Spain’s most promising young talents in a move that could prove to be one of the summer’s biggest transfer hijacks.
