Victor Munoz in action for Osasuna in 2026

Liverpool hijack Newcastle move for Victor Munoz after £34.5m clause triggered

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Jun 18, 2026, 7:31 am
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Image: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Liverpool have reportedly secured their first signing of the summer after beating Newcastle United to the capture of highly-rated Osasuna winger Victor Munoz.

The Reds have moved decisively to complete a deal for the Spain international, triggering his €40m (£34.5m) release clause and leaving Newcastle unable to finalise a move for one of their priority attacking targets.

Munoz is set to become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield and addresses a key area of need ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Liverpool move quickly to secure Victor Munoz

Newcastle were initially viewed as the Premier League club leading the race for the 22-year-old, having tracked his progress throughout an impressive season with Osasuna.

However, Liverpool acted swiftly after identifying Munoz as a player capable of strengthening their attacking options.

Reports indicate the club triggered the winger's release clause and dispatched medical staff to Spain's World Cup training base in Atlanta, where Munoz is currently preparing for international duty.

The completion of medical checks suggests the transfer is now entering its final stages.

This move reflects the club's preference for signing players before competition intensifies further. By activating the release clause, Liverpool removed the need for lengthy negotiations with Osasuna.

Why Munoz appealed to Liverpool

The winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after joining Osasuna in the summer of 2025.

A graduate of both Barcelona and Real Madrid's academy systems, Munoz adapted quickly to La Liga and registered eight goal involvements across 34 league appearances.

While those numbers may not immediately stand out, Liverpool are believed to value his pace, direct running and tactical versatility.

Those qualities could become particularly important following Mohamed Salah's departure and Hugo Ekitike's serious Achilles injury, which is expected to sideline the forward for a significant portion of next season.

Munoz's profile also appears well suited to the aggressive, attacking football associated with Iraola's teams.

Osasuna land huge profit from deal

The transfer represents remarkable business for Osasuna.

Having signed Munoz for just €5m twelve months ago, the Spanish club are set to generate a substantial profit from his sale.

However, Real Madrid will also benefit significantly from the deal due to a 50 per cent sell-on clause negotiated when Munoz departed the Santiago Bernabéu setup.

Victor Munoz Transfer Breakdown Amount
Liverpool Transfer Fee €40m (£34.5m)
Osasuna Purchase Price (2025) €5m
Real Madrid Sell-On Share €20m
La Liga Appearances 34
Goal Involvements 8

Source: Club records and reported transfer figures – June 2026

The move continues Munoz’s rapid rise, with the winger earning a place in Spain’s World Cup squad despite having only two senior international appearances before the tournament.

He did not feature in Spain’s opening draw against Cape Verde but remains one of the country’s most exciting young attacking talents.

Key Points

  • Liverpool have reportedly triggered Victor Munoz's €40m release clause.
  • Newcastle United had been strongly linked with the winger.
  • Medical checks have reportedly already been completed.
  • Munoz becomes Liverpool's first signing under Andoni Iraola.
  • Osasuna signed him for just €5m in 2025.
  • Real Madrid will receive 50 per cent of the transfer fee through a sell-on clause.

What's next?

Liverpool are expected to formally announce the signing once all documentation is completed following the player's medical.

Attention will then turn to whether the Reds continue strengthening their attack, particularly given Ekitike's injury absence and the need to replace Salah's output.

For Newcastle, meanwhile, the focus is likely to shift towards alternative targets after missing out on one of their preferred options.

Is Victor Munoz the ideal first signing for Andoni Iraola's Liverpool rebuild?

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