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Jun 18, 20261
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Víctor Muñoz Nears Liverpool Transfer as Osasuna Faces Uncertainty
Liverpool has essentially secured the transfer of Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna for 40 million euros after reaching a verbal agreement, with the deal potentially finalized during the World Cup. Meanwhile, teammate Ante Budimir saw no playing time in Croatia's 4-2 loss to England in the tournament's opening match.
Quick Facts
Who
Víctor Muñoz
What
Víctor Muñoz reached verbal agreement to transfer to Liverpool
When
Early Wednesday morning (June 18, 2026)
Where
Osasuna (El Sadar)
- Víctor Muñoz reached verbal agreement to transfer to Liverpool
- Liverpool agreed to pay Muñoz's 40 million euro release clause
- Fabrizio Romano announced the transfer deal early Wednesday morning
- Ante Budimir received no playing time in Croatia vs England match
- Budimir remained on bench despite multiple substitution opportunities
Víctor Muñoz, the emerging winger from Osasuna, is on the verge of completing a transfer to Liverpool after reaching a verbal agreement with the English club. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool has essentially secured the deal by agreeing to pay Muñoz's 40 million euro release clause, surpassing interest from Newcastle United and other European clubs. The announcement came early on Wednesday morning Spanish time, causing significant upheaval among the Osasuna fanbase. The transfer would represent a major summer move for the Spanish club, just a year after Muñoz's arrival at El Sadar.
Muñoz's rise has been remarkably swift. In just 40 elite-level matches, the young attacker has attracted the attention of multiple European giants. The timing of the announcement during the World Cup tournament has added to the sense of urgency, as recent precedent has normalized player transfers being finalized during major competitions. Officials from both clubs could potentially announce the move's completion within days, possibly even before Spain's upcoming match against Saudi Arabia.
In contrasting fortunes, Ante Budimir, Osasuna's Croatian striker, faced limited opportunities in his World Cup debut. Despite initial expectations that manager Zlatko Dalić might deploy Budimir as the primary offensive reference, the Croatian coach opted for Musa to lead the attack against England. As the match progressed and Croatia fell behind following Jude Bellingham's goal in the second half, Budimir remained on the bench through multiple substitution windows, watching as other attacking options like Vlasic and Kramaric entered the field. Croatia's 4-2 defeat left Budimir without a single minute of playing time in the competition.
Budimir now faces a crucial opportunity to make an impact when Croatia faces Panama on Wednesday, a match that will be vital for both the team's tournament aspirations and his own chances of gaining playing time. At nearly 35 years old, the striker continues to attract interest from clubs despite his age, underscoring his continued relevance at the highest level.
Why This Matters
This transfer signals Liverpool's aggressive summer recruitment strategy and Muñoz's emergence as a top-tier talent commanding elite European interest. The announcement during the World Cup highlights how major competitions have become transaction windows for high-profile moves. For Osasuna, losing such a promising player creates both financial opportunity and competitive uncertainty. Budimir's limited minutes raise questions about his tournament role and career trajectory at nearly 35 years old.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireFabrizio Romano announces Liverpool's verbal agreement with Víctor Muñoz
Jun 18, 2026
WireAnte Budimir remains on bench throughout Croatia vs England match; Croatia loses 4-2
Jun 22, 2026
WireSpain scheduled to face Saudi Arabia (Muñoz potentially officially announced as Liverpool player)
Jun 24, 2026
WireCroatia scheduled to face Panama; Budimir seeking playing time