This is Real Madrid’s plan for Spain’s latest wing wunderkind

Real Madrid are playing a waiting game with Víctor Muñoz, the Bernabéu academy graduate who has excelled at fellow LaLiga team Osasuna. There is no final decision yet on a possible Muñoz return to the Spanish capital, nor is one expected in the immediate future.

While Madrid have zero doubts about bringing club youth product Nico Paz back from Serie A side Como this summer, the situation with Muñoz is different. The deadline to activate the winger’s buyback clause in this first year runs through June 30 - one month later than the window for Paz. And that repurchase option remains in force through 2028. There is no rush.

Muñoz back to Madrid in a year’s time?

The thinking at Valdebebas is to wait and see, before potentially triggering Muñoz’s return in the summer of 2027 - assuming his performances continue at the level he’s shown this season. Madrid are well aware that interest in him will pour into Osasuna, including offers ready to meet the player’s €30 million ($35 million) release clause. However, Madrid’s right of first refusal gives the club the final say on his destination. That said, the 22-year-old’s wishes will always be respected.

Club executives also know that the landscape can shift unexpectedly over the coming months. For now, conversations behind closed doors at Valdebebas suggest the best move would be for Muñoz to spend one more season in Pamplona - though they’re equally conscious that making that happen will be extremely difficult.

Madrid intent on blocking Barça overtures

Niágara, the agency handling Muñoz’s affairs, has already fielded calls inquiring about his situation. What Real Madrid are clear about is that they will not allow the Catalonia native to return to his roots - namely Barcelona, a club where he spent part of his youth career. Despite a meeting held on Monday with Barça officials, the Blaugrana have yet to submit a formal offer.

Muñoz, who left Madrid for Osasuna last July, has captured the attention of European soccer in his first full season in LaLiga. Indeed, the lightning-quick winger’s performances for Los Rojillos have thrust him into contention for a place in Spain’s World Cup squad. In March, La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente handed Muñoz his international bow, in a friendly win over Serbia that saw the youngster grab a debut goal.

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