Newcastle United have moved to formalise interest in Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz, a transfer that would deliver a significant payout to Real Madrid.

Reports indicate Newcastle submitted an official bid as negotiations between the clubs increased. The Premier League side is reportedly “confident” of securing Muñoz for a package above $34.5 million (€30 million), while Spanish outlets suggest the overall cost could reach $46 million (€40 million) including add-ons.

Muñoz joined Osasuna under terms that protect Real Madrid financially. The contract included a three-year buy-back clause and a provision that awards Real Madrid 50% of any future transfer fee. That structure mirrors recent arrangements for Real Madrid Castilla graduates, including Nico Paz and Jacobo Ramón.

Technically Real Madrid retain the option to exercise the buy-back clause and prevent a move to Newcastle, but AS report the club does not intend to bring the 22-year-old back before the 2026/27 season. With no plan to re-sign Muñoz, Los Blancos stand to convert the clause into cash. If the transfer remains around €30 million Real Madrid would receive $20.1 million (€17.5 million). If the deal reaches €40 million the figure rises to $23 million (€20 million).

The potential windfall comes as Real Madrid continue to pursue a major summer signing. Club president Florentino Pérez has pledged to add a Galáctico, and the club’s outgoings this window have been limited. Only David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have officially left the Bernabéu, both departing as free agents.

There is also possible movement elsewhere in the squad. Striker Gonzalo García, under contract until 2030, has attracted interest from several European suitors with Como mentioned prominently. Now that Endrick has returned to the Spanish capital following a successful loan stint with Lyon, Gonzalo’s minutes will likely be few and far between next season. That situation could make a sale with a buy-back clause an appealing option for all parties.

Every four years the World Cup offers a stage for players to reshape career trajectories and Nicolas Jackson arrives in 2026 needing one of those moments. The returning Chelsea loanee has seen a campaign of mixed returns: eight Bundesliga goals, half of them scored in the final five weeks of the season, and only 15 starts across the Bundesliga and Champions League compared with the 40 starts set out in his loan agreement.

That limited game time and intermittent productivity have left Jackson’s future at Chelsea unresolved. The tournament in Qatar could provide a platform to press his case to new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso or to attract interest elsewhere. Instead he has added another question mark.

Discipline has been a recurring issue. Late in 2024–25 Jackson received a red card 35 minutes into a costly Blues defeat against Newcastle United. He was sent off again two games into that year’s Club World Cup and barely featured afterwards, an episode that may have sealed his Chelsea fate in the eyes of then manager Enzo Maresca. This past season he missed two Bayern matches because of a red-card suspension precisely when he was being given opportunities to start.

In Senegal’s World Cup warmup friendly against Saudi Arabia this week, a 0–0 draw, Jackson was shown two quickfire yellow cards which equalled a red. The 24-year-old will not be forced to miss World Cup matches by that suspension, which will instead carry over to Senegal’s next friendly, but the manner of the dismissal is unhelpful. Recklessness and immaturity to be sent off in that way risk undermining the case he needs to make on the biggest stage.

Jackson’s situation is simple in its complexity: he needs minutes and impact, not interruptions. The World Cup remains available as an opportunity, but the red card in the warmup has made an already delicate reintegration at Chelsea more difficult and left his club future in limbo.

Barcelona will have 15 players at the World Cup this summer, but the club’s recruitment team will also be watching a group of possible additions competing in Qatar. The club has already completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and remains intent on strengthening defence, midfield and the forward line.

João Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona from Al Hilal and is determined to make the move permanent. The versatile fullback will represent Portugal this summer and will be eager to impress to enhance his value in negotiations.

Marc Cucurella appears increasingly likely to leave Chelsea and has emerged as a contender for Spain’s left back position. Alejandro Grimaldo, Spain’s understudy in that role, is thought to be interested in a return to La Liga from Bayer Leverkusen, and Barcelona have been linked with him.

Two central defenders under observation will wear the Croatia shirt. Joško Gvardiol has been linked with a Spanish move this summer, with Real Madrid leading the race if he does not sign a new contract at Manchester City. Barcelona remain interested if the finances are right. Luka Vušković could be an alternative after a strong loan at Hamburg, and his parent club Tottenham Hotspur might be forced to sell following a difficult season.

Midfield interest centres on Bernardo Silva, available on a free transfer after his exit from Manchester City. Barcelona are described as being in the driver’s seat for any potential deal, which would likely be discussed after Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

On the wings, Barcelona have already added Gordon but remain linked with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, despite his second successive Champions League win with the French club. Up front, Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan from Manchester United, remains of interest. Barcelona will not trigger the permanent buy option but could open negotiations with Manchester United at a lower price; Rashford would also need to reduce his wages.

Julián Alvarez is described as the club’s priority target this summer, though talks with Atlético Madrid are expected to be awkward and expensive. Real Madrid saw their $173 million bid for the Argentina international rejected. For now, Alvarez will focus on securing a second World Cup title.

Group stage matches for each player are listed in the tournament schedules and will form key opportunities for Barcelona to assess potential signings.