Full Breakdown
Liverpool Trigger €40 Million Release Clause to Sign Victor Munoz, Snatching Winger from Newcastle
6/18/2026, 8:53:49 PM
Transfer Overview
Liverpool triggered Victor Munoz’s €40 million release clause, paying about £34.6 million, and secured a six-year contract. Munoz remains with Spain’s World Cup squad, and the move overtook Newcastle United, who had been in advanced talks after Mohamed Salah’s exit and Andoni Iraola’s appointment.
Player Profile
Munoz, 22, is a La Masia graduate who joined Osasuna from Real Madrid in July 2025 for €5 million. In 2025-26 he made 36 appearances (31 starts), scoring seven goals and five assists in all competitions (six league goals, two assists). He averaged 2.2 dribbles per game – the sixth-highest in La Liga – and can play on either wing. He is in Spain’s World Cup squad.
Timeline
- July 2025: Munoz signs for Osasuna.
- 1 June 2026: Andoni Iraola appointed Liverpool manager.
- 17 June 2026: Liverpool trigger the release clause, overtaking Newcastle.
Financial & Stats
The €40 million clause equates to a reported £34.6 million (? $46 million) fee; Real Madrid’s 50 percent sell-on clause guarantees it half. Munoz logged a goal involvement every 230 minutes, 12 direct contributions in 2,766 minutes and 2.2 dribbles per game.
Official Statements
Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards confirmed the clause activation and medical plans. Head coach Andoni Iraola said the signing simplifies his task of building a squad he already knows. Real Madrid confirmed its sell-on entitlement. Liverpool described Munoz as a pacy, skilful winger who fits the tactical flexibility they require.
Criticism
Analysts cite a modest senior record and question his passing, while Newcastle fans labelled Liverpool’s move “porch-pirates,” leaving the Magpies without a Gordon replacement.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Munoz’s league tally (six goals/ two assists versus seven/ five) and on the fee – €40 million, £34.6 million or $46 million; most say Newcastle did not meet the clause, though one report claims they also offered €40 million, and the exact medical date is unconfirmed.
Impact
Munoz is Iraola’s first signing, adding speed and two-wing versatility to replace Salah and complement Yan Diomande. Newcastle lose a potential Gordon replacement and must rethink their attack; Real Madrid secures a sizable windfall from the sell-on clause.
Verbatim Quotes
- “EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool are set to sign Víctor Muñoz with HIJACK done, HERE WE GO!” — Fabrizio Romano, journalist.
- “He is an outstanding young talent. He's one of the pearls of Spanish football.” — Phil Minshull, La Liga expert.
- “For me, it's much easier to continue in the Premier League in terms of knowing the squad,” — Andoni Iraola, Liverpool head coach.
- “Could he play for Real Madrid? I think he's a lad with tremendous footballing potential,” — Luis de la Fuente, Spain manager.
What Comes Next
Munoz is expected to finish his Atlanta medical and sign within days, then join Liverpool’s US pre-season tour before the 2026-27 campaign, while the club continues chasing Yan Diomande and Newcastle seeks alternative attackers.
