Newcastle United are reportedly leading the chase for Osasuna winger Victor Munoz as Eddie Howe looks to replace Anthony Gordon following his move to Barcelona.
Munoz has emerged as one of the most sought-after young attackers in Europe after a breakout season with Osasuna. The 22-year-old earned his first senior Spain call-up earlier this year, scored on his international debut, and secured a place in the country’s 2026 World Cup squad.
According to Hooligan Soccer, Newcastle is interested in the
Spain international following Gordon’s departure, with the outlet claiming the club views Munoz as a player capable of filling the gap left by the England international.
“Anthony Gordon’s recent transfer to Barcelona has left Eddie Howe facing a significant gap on the right flank,” the report states. “Muñoz is being assessed as one of the profiles capable of filling that void.”
The report adds that Newcastle’s project and financial strength make them a serious contender for the Spaniard’s signature.
However, the biggest obstacle could be Real Madrid. Munoz came through Madrid’s academy before joining Osasuna, and the Spanish giants reportedly have a buy-back clause baked into Munoz’s contract that could allow them to match any offer Osasuna receives or buy him on the low, blocking any other side from acquiring their former player.
The report claims that Real Madrid are weighing up whether to bring Munoz back themselves or potentially use him as part of a broader transfer strategy involving other clubs, likely by sending him on loan elsewhere so he can keep honing his skills before joining the capital club.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa remain firmly in the race, with Osasuna seemingly preferring a transfer to a club outside Spain rather than to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
For now, Newcastle appear to be well-positioned, but much of the transfer hinges on whether Real Madrid decide to activate their buy-back option.
