Liverpool Steal March on Newcastle Again as Reds Trigger Victor Muñoz Release Clause.

In a move that feels like déjà vu for Newcastle United, Liverpool have swooped in at the eleventh hour to trigger the release clause for Osasuna’s electric winger, Victor Muñoz effectively hijacking the Magpies’ long standing pursuit of the Spanish international.

According to Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor, the Merseyside club have moved decisively, matching the £34.6 million buyout fee written into Muñoz’s contract. With the clause now activated, Osasuna have no choice but to accept, and all parties have confirmed that an agreement is in place between the two clubs.

The next hurdle is the player’s medical, which is expected to take place in the United States conveniently, where Muñoz is currently based with the Spanish national team for their World Cup campaign. Barring any late surprises, the 23 year old will put pen to paper on a long term deal at Anfield, adding serious pace and creativity to Arne Slot’s attacking options.

For Newcastle, this is a bitter pill to swallow. The Tyneside club had made Muñoz their primary wide target for the summer, with multiple rounds of dialogue already held with the player’s representatives. But Liverpool’s late intervention much like their audacious hijack of Hugo Ekitike last year has left the St. James’ Park hierarchy frustrated and scrambling for alternatives.

What stings even more for Newcastle fans is the memory of last summer’s transfer window, when Liverpool not only pirated Ekitike from under their noses but also went on to sign Alexander Isak now one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers despite the Swede having been heavily linked with a move to the North East. That double blow feels agonisingly similar to today’s news.

Muñoz, who has lit up La Liga with his dribbling, direct running, and growing goal threat, is seen as a perfect fit for Liverpool’s high octane system. With Mohamed Salah’s future still uncertain and Luis Díaz prone to injury, the Spaniard offers both immediate cover and long term succession planning.

As it stands, the deal is expected to be finalised within 48 hours, pending medical results. Liverpool fans will be buzzing but on Tyneside, the echoes of last summer’s heartbreak are ringing louder than ever.