Liverpool ‘agree’ to dangerous contract clause in Victor Munoz deal

The Osasuna winger appeared to be on his way to Newcastle before Liverpool hijacked the deal.

Victor Munoz’s Liverpool contract is reportedly set to include a potentially disastrous clause.

Munoz, 22, had been heavily linked with joining Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United this summer before Liverpool hijacked the move on June 17, with it being widely reported that the Merseyside club had triggered the Osasuna winger’s €40 million (£34.6 million) release clause.

Munoz, who is currently part of Spain’s World Cup squad, is expected to sign a six-year contract at Anfield, with club medical staff currently in the US to carry out medical checks before the transfer is announced.

The Spaniard featured for both Barcelona and Real Madrid at youth level before making two senior appearances for Los Blancos in 2025.

He then joined Osasuna in 2025, producing seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances last term, helping the side finish 17th in La Liga. Munoz has also earned two caps for Spain.

Munoz can play on either wing and through the middle when required, with his pace, intensity and directness thought to be appealing to Iraola.

The 22-year-old’s arrival could see Federico Chiesa fall further down the pecking order at Anfield, with the Italian being linked with a move away from the club this summer.

In the hours after reports of Munoz’s move emerged, Spanish outlet AS reported that Real Madrid were set to receive a portion of the £34.6 million transfer fee while also having first refusal on the player due to a supposed buy-back clause, which could be triggered at the end of Munoz’s first season at Liverpool.

The report states: “Real Madrid will receive €25 million for the youth academy player who debuted with the first team under Carlo Ancelotti. This includes the €5 million Osasuna paid for his transfer and half of the release clause that Liverpool is now paying to the Navarrese club.”

Real and Barcelona both looked into signing Munoz, but Jose Mourinho vetoed the deal while Barca opted to sign England winger Anthony Gordon instead.

Liverpool are expected to pay the transfer fee in two instalments.

The Reds remain interested in RB Leipzig left winger Yan Diomande despite getting the Munoz deal over the line, with the Merseyside club also retaining an interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola.

Spanish football expert explains what Liverpool should expect from Munoz

While he was still being linked with a move to Newcastle, La Liga expert Phil Minshull described Muñoz as “one of the pearls of Spanish football” during an interview with BBC Radio Newcastle.

“He is an outstanding young talent,” he said.

“He’s been called up to the Spanish squad and he’s going to be part of the World Cup squad.

“He’s a very strong, right-footed attacking winger. He can play on both sides. He’s very robust and physical. He takes on defenders.

“One question mark over his technical ability is his passing, as he only registered two assists throughout last season. But he does take on defenders, and he provides all sorts of challenges for them, pulling players in his direction and opening up space for the other forwards.

“He can play on either side of the pitch, and that makes him a valuable asset depending on the resources of the rest of the team.

“Also, he’s always tracking back and he’s a strong tackler, so he’s supporting the defenders as well. There’s no question mark over his work rate.”Featured Image Credit: Getty Images