Victor Munoz’s Spain performances analysed as Liverpool finalise deal
Newcastle have been aiming to bolster their winger ranks this summer after Anthony Gordon left to join Barcelona.
Osasuna starlet Munoz emerged onto their radar following a strong breakout season in La Liga.
Weeks of negotiations between the two clubs have ensued, but now Munoz is set for a seemingly surprise move to Merseyside instead of Tyneside.
Reports emerged late on Wednesday night that Liverpool had swooped ahead of the Magpies to trigger Munoz’s release clause.
The 22-year-old is now set for a £34.6million move to Anfield, even though most Liverpool fans may not know much about him.
He has already played for Spain’s senior side in his short career so far, with two impressive showings to boot.
How has Victor Munoz played for Spain?
Munoz’s performances on the international stage are a good barometer for how he could make an impact at the top level in the Premier League.
The young winger scored his first goal for his country on his debut in a 3-0 friendly win against Serbia on 27 March.
He latched on to a neat backheel by Ferran Torres after a counter attack and netted with a trivela finish.
Munoz created one chance, took four touches in Serbia’s box and completed 21 passes in his 27-minute maiden appearance.
He played for the whole second half in their other March friendly against Egypt, and shone once again, despite a dull 0-0 result.
The 22-year-old created a big chance as Fermin Lopez wasted an opportunity to grab a winner, completed his one attempted dribble, won both of his two ground duels and drew a foul.
He clearly has the talent to be key to Spain going forward, and has been included in their World Cup squad for this summer.
Luis de la Fuente did not bring him on in their opening draw with Cape Verde, but he may well be in line for some game time soon after completing a move to Liverpool.
What has De la Fuente said about Munoz?
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha is attracting attention from across Europe, and he will now have more competition on the left wing as Munoz’s arrives.
Reds supporters should have very high hopes for the Spaniard, with La Roja boss De La Fuente heaping praise on him last month.
He was asked if Munoz could play for Real Madrid after picking him for the World Cup, to which he said: “I think he is a boy with a very great footballing potential and that he has shown in the national team, at the highest international level, that he is also prepared to compete at that level.”