‘Relationship ends’: Director confirms Newcastle player will leave in 2023

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Santiago Munoz will ‘end his relationship’ with Newcastle United next month after the Premier League high-flyers opted not to turn his loan deal into a permanent transfer, Santos Laguna director Eduardo Fentanes tells El Siglo de Torreon. 

Unlike his near-namesake, it seems there will be no Hollywood ending for this talented young Mexican; a man who’s eye-catching move to St James’ Park in 2021 may have had you double-checking your calendars and wondering if April Fool’s Day had been re-arranged for August. 

Like in 2005’s Goal, there is a very real chance that Newcastle end up securing Champions League qualification this season, ironically enough, at Liverpool’s expense. But it won’t be Santiago Munoz emulating Santiago Munez with a dramatic late winner in front of the Gallowgate.

The 20-year-old’s loan deal expires on the stroke of midnight, New Years’ Day. And, according to Mexican publication Futbol Total, Munoz will soon be packing his bags; Newcastle deciding against offering him permanent terms.

Newcastle United loanee Santiago Munoz will return to Mexico

“Santi ends his relationship (with Newcastle) in December,” explains Fentanes, the technical director of Munoz’s parent club Santos Laguna.  

“He has different paths that he can take. We will have to see what happens. But the reality is that it is not at all clear what will happen with him. We have the advantage of already knowing him. We will have to wait for what happens when his relationship (with Newcastle) ends. 

“It would always be useful to know what he is thinking. What he is planning for his career. It is a possibility (that Munoz could return to Santos Laguna), but there is nothing certain.”

A niggling injury has restricted Munoz to just four Premier League 2 appearances this season. He will, at least, be able to say he scored a hat-trick at St James’ Park. Munoz netted a treble against West Brom’s U23s in March. 

“No, I’m not aware of anything (regarding his future),” Newcastle U23 coach Elliott Dickman tells The Chronicle. “From our point of view, we’re really focused on trying to get Santi back fit.”