The move represents a major frustration for Newcastle, who had identified Munoz as a primary target. The Magpies were deep into negotiations for the attacker as they looked to reinforce their frontline following the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona earlier in the window. However, the Reds’ decision to pay the full release clause fee upfront left the Tyneside club with no room to negotiate.
With Liverpool meeting the valuation set by Osasuna, the deal progressed rapidly. This proactive approach allowed the Reds to bypass complex club-to-club discussions and head straight to personal terms with the player. Consequently, Newcastle must now turn their attention to alternative targets as they look to spend their summer budget elsewhere.
