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Real Madrid's hierarchy have reportedly made up their minds to do whatever it takes to prevent Barcelona from acquiring Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz this summer.
The 22-year-old, who departed Madrid last summer, has had a remarkable breakout season at Osasuna. His tally of six goals and five assists has earned Muñoz his first Spain call-up and thrust him into the spotlight as a potential transfer target for Barcelona.
Barcelona are seeking attacking additions this summer and, with uncertainty hanging over the future of loanee Marcus Rashford, are said to have shown interest in landing Muñoz. However, for the La Liga table-toppers, completing any such deal would be anything but straightforward.
As part of last summer's transfer, Madrid followed their customary practice of including buy-back clauses, granting them full control over Muñoz for the next three years. According to AS, Los Blancos are prepared to activate that clause this summer solely to block Barcelona from getting their hands on the 22-year-old.
Madrid are not believed to be particularly eager to reintegrate Muñoz into their squad and would essentially be acting to unsettle their fiercest rivals, who may opt to explore other avenues rather than see the winger return to the Bernabéu this summer.
Real Madrid's Excellent Buy-Back Clauses
No supporter enjoys watching their club sell academy graduates, especially for modest fees. While Premier League clubs tend to hold onto their promising youngsters, those in La Liga frequently take a contrasting approach.
When there is no immediate pathway into the first team, Madrid will often offload their young talents permanently in low-cost arrangements designed to benefit them down the line. In Muñoz's case, Madrid hold the option to re-sign the winger for just $10.5 million (€9 million), with that figure increasing gradually over the next few seasons — and that is not where the protections end.
Should Madrid choose not to exercise their buy-back clause within the next three years, they will still retain the right to match any offers received for Muñoz, and will also be entitled to 50% of any future transfer fee.
This has become a well-established strategy for Madrid in recent years, and Muñoz is just one of several promising youngsters whose futures remain firmly in Los Blancos' hands.
Como star Nico Paz is widely expected to head back to Madrid this summer, with teammate Jacobo Ramón potentially following amid strong interest from top Premier League clubs. Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andrés is another player tipped for an imminent return.
While recalling those players will come at a cost to Madrid — paying more than they originally sold each for — the margins remain modest for a club of their stature, and the increased market value of each player makes every transaction look like a shrewd piece of business.
Osasuna have directed interested clubs toward a release clause exceeding $46 million (€40 million) in Muñoz's contract, while Paz has been valued at over $81 million (€70 million). Madrid could potentially secure both players for just $21 million (€18 million) this summer.
Such structures hand Madrid complete authority over some of Europe's most coveted young talents, offering the prospect of either exciting squad additions or substantial financial returns in the years ahead.
As for Barcelona, should they decide against pursuing a permanent deal for Rashford this summer, they may be forced to turn their attention to alternative targets.