Sofia Quijada
Barcelona Eyes Osasuna Winger Victor Munoz as Rashford Deal Falters
Barcelona are losing confidence in their pursuit of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, prompting the club to explore alternative options for their left flank reinforcement this summer. The Blaugrana’s €30 million purchase clause appears less certain, shifting their attention to emerging talent within La Liga.
One name on Barcelona’s radar is Victor Munoz, a 22-year-old winger at CA Osasuna with a €40 million release clause. The player shares history with the club, having spent three years at La Masia between 2014 and 2017 before his path diverged through other academies.
Deco’s Target Profile
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco views Munoz as fitting their desired profile. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s interest is concrete, backed by consistent monitoring since 2023. Scouts have attended multiple fixtures including Rayo Vallecano versus Osasuna, Elche versus Osasuna, and Osasuna versus Girona, plus Spain national team matches in March.
Munoz’s technical profile aligns with Barcelona’s needs: explosive pace, penetrative running ability, refined dribbling, and dominant one-on-one skills. What separates him from Rashford, according to the club’s analysis, is his defensive contributions—an area where the Manchester United forward lacks consistency.
La Masia to Real Madrid: A Complicated Path
Munoz’s journey through elite academies complicates matters. After La Masia, he joined Real Madrid‘s system in 2021, spending the 2023-25 seasons with Real Madrid Castilla in the RFEF Primera Division before his recent move to Osasuna.
Real Madrid’s Leverage
Barcelona’s path to signing Munoz faces significant obstacles. Real Madrid retain a buy-back option valued at €8 million for this summer, escalating to €9 million in 2027 and €10 million in 2028. The Madrid club additionally holds 50% of his economic rights and possesses right of first refusal should they decline the buyback clause.
These contractual complexities mean Barcelona’s concrete interest may not translate to action. If Real Madrid decide to intervene, a transfer becomes unlikely regardless of the Catalan club’s ambitions.