Newcastle may be closing in on Victor Muñoz, but fresh claims from Spain suggest the player’s camp is still weighing up multiple options before making a final decision.
The Magpies emerged as surprise contenders for the Osasuna winger this week, with reports claiming a deal worth around €35m (£29.8m) plus bonuses is advancing quickly.
Now, Cadena SER have added further details about both Real Madrid’s position and the competition Newcastle could face.
According to journalist Anton Meana, only one thing is already clear: Victor Muñoz will not be playing for Real Madrid next season.
Real Madrid never viewed return as realistic
Muñoz came through Real Madrid’s academy before joining Osasuna in a €5m (£4.3m) deal last summer.
As part of that agreement, Real Madrid retained 50% of the player’s economic rights and secured a buyback option. That structure initially led to speculation that the Spanish giants could eventually bring him back.
However, speaking on Cadena SER, Meana dismissed that possibility.
“He won’t play for Real Madrid next season and he’ll sign his first big contract during the World Cup,” the journalist stated.
“It was never really an option. They could bring him back for some training sessions, but even then Madrid knew this was a more interesting operation financially.”
That stance helps explain why reports this week have focused on Newcastle and other potential buyers rather than a return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Newcastle offer on table as player’s camp decide
According to Meana, Newcastle have already presented what he described as a strong proposal, but the Premier League side are not alone.
“The agent of Victor Muñoz has a good offer from Newcastle and from other clubs,” he explained.
The journalist added that the player’s representatives are currently deciding whether to accept Newcastle’s proposal or attempt to generate even greater competition.
“They are deciding whether to accept Newcastle’s offer or push things further to get more money.”
While other clubs remain interested, the Magpies are understood to have placed one of the strongest offers on the table and currently appear well positioned to complete the deal.
Real Madrid set to benefit
The financial aspect could prove lucrative for everyone involved. Meana believes any eventual transfer would likely be worth between €35m (£29.8m) and €40m (£34.1m), figures that broadly align with reports elsewhere in Spain.
Should a deal be completed at that level, Real Madrid would be among the beneficiaries because of the 50% sell-on arrangement negotiated when Osasuna signed the winger last year.
“If the operation goes through, it would be around €35m-40m and 50% would go to Real Madrid,” Meana explained.
That means Newcastle’s pursuit is not about convincing Osasuna to sell. If the latest information is accurate, the player’s camp still have other opportunities on the table and are considering whether a move to St James’ Park represents the best next step in his career.
