World Cup
Victor Munoz joins Liverpool; Newcastle face him on Aug 23
Newcastle United fans will see Victor Munoz in a Liverpool shirt at St James' Park on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, as the forward’s move to Liverpool from Osasuna is confirmed ahead of the 23 August clash with the visitors.
Liverpool announced on Thursday night that they had reached an agreement with Osasuna for Victor Munoz. Within 24 hours the Premier League fixture computer paired Liverpool and Newcastle United as opponents for the opening weekend.
Striker Alexander Isak will be back on Tyneside for the first time since he tried to leave Newcastle for Liverpool last summer. His return coincides with the high‑profile Liverpool visit to St James' Park.
The 23 August meeting is expected to be particularly raucous given the transfer drama surrounding Munoz. Newcastle United missed out on signing the forward, adding extra tension to the fixture.
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The transfer window has been officially open only a few days, overlapping with the World Cup summer. Club officials feel it is imperative to finalise the bulk of their business before the season begins. Most of Newcastle's signings arrived last summer, and the campaign had already started. Aside from defender Malick Thiaw, many newcomers took longer than hoped to settle into the squad. After the Liverpool clash, Newcastle travel to Tottenham Hotspur before hosting Bournemouth. The schedule then continues with away games at Leeds United and a home match against newly promoted Hull City at St James' Park. Head coach Eddie Howe will be desperate to secure a strong start to the campaign. He faces pressure after last season's bruising domestic campaign.