The scale of Gordon’s contribution explains Newcastle’s urgency. He left after 152 appearances, 39 goals and 28 assists, numbers that underline the creative and attacking production the club must replace.
Newcastle’s season also increased the pressure to act. The team finished 12th, five points behind Sunderland, and missed out on European football. That decline reportedly accelerated Gordon’s sale and now makes recruitment on the left flank central to the summer rebuild.
Muñoz arrives with a smaller body of senior experience but a rising profile. He scored six goals and supplied two assists for Osasuna last season after joining from Real Madrid in July.
His appeal is not limited to his club form. The forward received a Spain call-up in March, scored on his debut in a 3-0 win over Serbia and later featured in a goalless draw with Egypt. He has since been included in Spain’s World Cup squad.
That international progression points to a player trusted to operate at a high level. His ability to attack from the left, finish moves and create for teammates gives Newcastle a profile that resembles Gordon’s role, even if he is not expected to reproduce the outgoing winger’s numbers immediately.
Newcastle would be signing potential rather than a finished replacement. Muñoz has only recently established himself at senior level, while reports also say Real Madrid retain a relatively low buy-back option.
The negotiations with Osasuna will therefore be watched closely. Newcastle need a reliable attacking starter, but the next phase of the deal could determine whether Muñoz becomes Gordon’s successor or a long-term investment alongside another wide player.