Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have suffered a major transfer blow early in the summer window, with Liverpool hijacking yet another of the Magpies’ top targets.
Newcastle had held positive talks with Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz and were confident of reaching an agreement after submitting an official bid worth more than €30 million. However, Liverpool swooped in at the last minute, agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, and triggered his €40 million (£35 million) release clause to hijack the deal.
Muñoz had been identified as Newcastle’s preferred replacement for Anthony Gordon, who completed a £70 million move to Barcelona earlier this month. The Spaniard looked set to become the Magpies’ second signing of the summer after the arrival of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims.
Real Madrid, who sold Muñoz to Osasuna last summer, retained a 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back option but chose not to activate it, paving the way for a Premier League move. Liverpool’s decision to meet the full release clause ultimately proved decisive, leaving Newcastle empty-handed.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal with his trademark “Here We Go”, posting:
> “Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO! Newcastle were in advanced talks for days, but Liverpool entered the deal, agreed personal terms with Muñoz and activated the €40m release clause.”
Romano also revealed that Muñoz has already completed his medical, with an official announcement expected later this week, while Real Madrid will receive €20 million through their sell-on clause.
admin
Abdulhafiz Teslim
