Newcastle fans brand signing of Mexican striker Santiago Munoz a 'PR stunt' with transfer compared t

April 2024 ยท 2 minute read

Remember the film, 'Goal!'? Well, Newcastle United have just made it a reality.

The Magpies have signed Mexican striker Santiago Munoz on deadline day - and the similarities to the cult football flick are eerily similar.

In Goal!, which was released in 2005, a young, unknown Mexican player Santiago Munez is scouted and joins the club.

After a difficult start, he becomes a roaring success on Tyneside, appearing with the likes of Alan Shearer at St James' Park.

In the sequel - yes, there was a a sequel - he moves to Real Madrid and the film features notable cameo appearances from the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.

Newcastle fans, however, are unhappy with the transfer.

The club even hinted at the link between the deal and the cult favourite movie, as they posted on social media, 'the dream begins' - the film's slogan.

โœจ ๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐——๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—บ ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ด๐—ถ๐—ป๐˜€... โœจ

Newcastle United have completed the signing of 19-year old striker, Santiago Muรฑรณz.

Welcome, Santi! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ

โ€” Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 31, 2021

But many supporters are dubbing it a 'PR stunt' and an unnecessary deal given their quiet window... especially with the club confirming the 19-year-old has joined their academy squad, and only on an 18 month contract.

You can look at some of their reaction, below...

One wrote: "PR stunt to distract supporters and the media away from the disastrous transfer window."

While another said: "Canโ€™t believe weโ€™ve signed him just for the vibes whilst our first team is at bare bones."

Munoz, 19, has arrived from Mexican Santos Laguna, where he made his debut last year and has scored three goals and claimed three assists in 13 league games. 

There is an option for Newcastle to sign the youngster permanently at the end of the loan.

Apart from Munoz, Joe Willock's ยฃ25million arrival from Arsenal represents the club's only significant summer transfer business for Newcastle to date.

In terms of outgoings, midfielder Matty Longstaff has joined Aberdeen on loan, while Andy Carroll was released and Christian Atsu joined Saudi club Al-Raed in a free transfer.

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