Newcastle is reportedly in talks to sign a Liverpool player after losing Victor Munoz.
Newcastle have now set their sights on a Liverpool star after missing out on Victor Munoz. Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s new manager, managed to snap up Munoz for £34.6m, right from under Newcastle’s nose. Munoz, who is 22 and currently playing in the World Cup with Spain, was Newcastle’s top choice to replace Anthony Gordon on the left side.
Newcastle had been working hard to bring Munoz to St. James’ Park, but Liverpool jumped in at the last minute. While Newcastle was still trying to agree on a price, Liverpool simply paid the release clause, and Munoz quickly signed for Anfield.
This is the second summer in a row that Liverpool have beaten Newcastle in the transfer race, which has been frustrating for Newcastle fans. Last year, Liverpool won the race for Hugo Ekitike and then went even further by signing Alexander Isak as well. Meanwhile, Newcastle had to settle for Yoanne Wissa and Nick Woltemade, who haven’t quite lived up to expectations this season.
Now, Newcastle are turning to Liverpool again for a replacement for Munoz. Reports say that Cody Gakpo is on Eddie Howe’s shortlist. The club’s leaders have talked about the Dutch winger as a possible replacement for Gordon. Gakpo’s future at Liverpool is uncertain after the sacking of manager Arne Slot, especially after he scored only seven goals in what was a tough season, just a year after winning the Premier League.
Tottenham are also interested in Gakpo, who recently signed a long-term deal reportedly worth £250,000 per week until 2025. Newcastle have also had discussions with Arsenal about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to strengthen their attack.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are looking at RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, a young star from Ivory Coast valued at over £100m. Paris Saint-Germain are also interested, and the price could go higher if he shines at the World Cup. If Liverpool miss out on Diomande, they are reportedly interested in Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Another possibility is PSG’s Bradley Barcola, who might come to Anfield if he decides to leave, though Arsenal are also in the race for him.
When asked about Slot’s departure while on international duty, Gakpo said it was a surprise for the Liverpool squad. He said: “It’s a shame the manager was sacked. The club gave an explanation, but no one on the team saw it coming. It certainly happened, though. Now, many of us are focusing on the World Cup and will have to put it behind us, even if that’s not easy.”