Sunderland must prepare a significantly larger financial package if they intend to get Víctor Muñoz from CA Osasuna when the transfer market opens this summer. Diario de Noticias, via Sport Witness, recently highlighted the persistence of the Black Cats, who chased the Spanish winger during the January window but ultimately failed to reach an agreement.
Reports confirm that the Wearside club initially put a bid of €20m on the table before raising their stakes to a final offer of €25m, which also included the temporary services of forward Eliezer Mayenda on loan. Despite this substantial valuation, both the La Liga outfit and the player himself said no to the move, as Muñoz remains a key figure in Pamplona.
Osasuna currently hold a strong negotiating position because they paid Real Madrid €5m for only 50% of the player’s rights in July 2025, meaning any sale must satisfy both the selling club and the sell-on clause requirements. The 22-year-old talent has justified his price tag this season by delivering five goals and five assists across 29 competitive appearances.
While Régis Le Bris managed to strengthen his flanks by signing Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht and Jocelin Ta Bi from Maccabi Netanya, the club clearly see Muñoz as a better long-term prospect for their Premier League campaign. The Spanish youth international represents the specific profile of a technical, high-ceiling attacker that the Sunderland hierarchy wants to keep their top-flight status.
Should Sunderland Pursue Muñoz Again or Pivot to New Targets?
Sunderland currently find themselves at a crossroads regarding their recruitment strategy as the 2025/26 season approaches the finish line. Although the club signed Nilson Angulo to provide cover on the left and brought in the Ivorian youth international Ta Bi for the right, neither has yet shown the same scoring numbers or match-winning ability as Muñoz. The Spaniard has a rare combination of explosive pace and tactical discipline learned in the Real Madrid academy, making him an exciting option for a side that often lacks a killer final ball.
I believe the Wearside board should walk away from this deal if Osasuna ask for anything more than €35m, especially since the club still lack a truly dominant central striker. While the temptation to grab a Spanish U21 star is strong, the current squad needs balance rather than another expensive wide player who might get in the way of the recently arrived Angulo.
If the club want to keep their current momentum, they should instead spend their money on a physical presence in the box to help out their fast wingers. Spending nearly €30m on a player who has already said he prefers to stay in Spain suggests a risk of buying a distracted asset. Consequently, Le Bris ought to find a more committed alternative who sees the Stadium of Light as his first choice rather than a backup plan.
