Liverpool have hijacked Newcastle United's €40 million deal for Spanish winger Victor Munoz, pulling off a late swoop that leaves their Premier League rivals empty-handed.
Newcastle had been closing in on the transfer, with a fee agreed and personal terms reportedly in place. But Liverpool stepped in at the last moment, matching the €40 million price and convincing the 23-year-old to choose Anfield over St James' Park.
How the deal was turned
The situation shifted quickly. Newcastle sources indicated the club was confident of completing the signing within days. Then Liverpool made their move, initiating contact with Munoz's representatives and his current club. Within hours, the deal had flipped. The winger is now expected to undergo a medical in Merseyside before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.
What Munoz offers Liverpool
Munoz is a left-footed winger who primarily operates on the right flank, cutting inside to create chances. He has drawn comparisons to other Spanish wide players for his dribbling and vision. For Liverpool, he adds depth to an attacking line that already includes Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, offering competition and a different stylistic option.
The blow for Newcastle
Newcastle had made Munoz their top target to reinforce the attack. The club's recruitment team had scouted him extensively and believed they had a done deal. Losing him to a direct rival stings. Eddie Howe's side now need to go back to the drawing board with the summer window still open. They have a shortlist of alternatives, but none as far along as the Munoz deal was.
The transfer is expected to be officially announced by Liverpool within the coming days, pending the medical. Newcastle will move quickly to identify a new target before the window closes.
