Newcastle fans can be forgiven for experiencing a strange and unwanted feeling of deja vu this week. After being linked heavily with an exciting young attacker throughout the build-up to this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool have snuck in at the last and pipped them to the post - again. Last year, it was Hugo Ekitike; this year, it is Victor Munoz.
Liverpool have moved swiftly to secure Victor Munoz after triggering the Osasuna winger's €40 million (£34.6m) release clause. The Reds acted decisively to beat Newcastle United to the Spain international, with the 22-year-old now set to become the first signing of Andoni Iraola's tenure at Anfield.
Newcastle United have reportedly opened negotiations with Osasuna to sign Spain World Cup star Victor Munoz as they look to fill the void left by Anthony Gordon. The Magpies are moving aggressively in the early stages of the summer window to secure the 22-year-old before his stock rises further on the international stage.
Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from professional football. The veteran defender shared an emotional farewell message after bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 20 seasons across Europe.
With Barcelona still said to be mulling over whether to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis, the on-loan Manchester United attacker provided a timely - and hugely important - reminder of his worth as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday evening to move 14 points clear at the top of La Liga. The Blaugrana were struggling dismally to break down their hosts when Flick decided to bring Rashford on midway through the second half of the game in Pamplona.
FC Barcelona looks set to suffer a setback in their bid to sign Victor Munoz. Of all teams, it is Real Madrid who appear to be throwing a spanner in the works.
After a testing week, Vinicius Jr did what he does best as he scored to bring Real Madrid backing into it against a spirited Osasuna side. The Brazilian's work was undone by some shoddy defending, however, as two cheap goals saw Los Blancos fall to a 2-1 defeat. The side from Pamplona struck before the break and in the 92nd minute to inflict a loss on Alvaro Arbeloa's side that might be crucial in the scope of the title race. Barcelona, how play on Sunday, can now move top with a win.
Villarreal have completed the signing of U.S. international Alex Freeman on a deal that lasts through 2032. The 21-year-old arrives from Orlando City after a breakout season, as the Yellow Submarine add a full back viewed as ready to compete immediately in LaLiga. The Yellow Submarine are currently fourth in the Spanish top flight.
A long-standing Lionel Messi record at Barcelona has finally fallen after Pedri etched his name into Blaugrana history during a La Liga win over Osasuna. The 23-year-old became the youngest player ever to reach 150 La Liga appearances for the Catalan side, surpassing Messi, while once again pulling the strings in midfield under Hansi Flick in a 2-0 win.
Raphinha's brace sent Barcelona seven points clear at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Osasuna. Hansi Flick's team were toothless in front of goal for long periods but the former Leeds United star came up trumps just when his team needed him in the second half. The result widened the gap to rivals Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso under increasing pressure to keep his job.
Osasuna manager Alessio Lisci was unhappy with the referee's decision to award a penalty to Real Madrid, accusing Kylian Mbappe of making a foul instead.
Former Osasuna striker Walter Pandiani opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo's toxic attitude during his stint with Real Madrid as he labelled the Portugal icon as "arrogant". Pandiani recalled an incident during a La Liga clash between Osasuna and Los Blancos, where he had an altercation with the Al-Nassr star, who behaved rudely with him.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has put the brakes on discussions regarding a contract extension, sparking growing uncertainty about his long-term future in the Spanish capital. The Brazilian has less than two years remaining on his current deal, and at this stage, his representatives have decided to step away from the negotiating table entirely, at least for the foreseeable future.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is investing in a luxurious new estate near his hometown in England, offering not only a private haven for himself but also a separate residence for his parents. The Los Blancos star is building the property in the picturesque village of Barnt Green, located on the fringes of Birmingham in Worcestershire.
Javier Tebas, the outspoken president of La Liga, has launched a scathing attack on the newly-expanded Club World Cup, expressing his intent to see the month-long tournament scrapped altogether. With the 32-team event currently underway in the United States, Tebas has voiced strong opposition, particularly regarding its disruptive impact on domestic schedules and player welfare.