Newcastle United striker transfer confirmed in 46-word statement

Santiago Munoz has returned to Santos Laguna following his failed loan spell at Newcastle United, the Mexican club have confirmed.

The 20-year-old became the final signing of the Mike Ashley era when he completed an 18-month loan switch to Tyneside in August 2021.

Many viewed his arrival as a PR stunt to deflect the heat away from Ashley, and then boss Steve Bruce, with his name identical to Santiago Munez in the popular film Goal!

However, reality could not match fiction as Munoz struggled to make an impact in the Magpies’ second string after being hampered by injury.

Newcastle had an option to sign Munoz permanently this month but opted against it. After weeks without official confirmation, Santos Laguna have announced his return.

A short statement read: “After concluding his loan period with Newcastle United of the Premier League, striker Santiago Muñoz reported to the ranks of Club Santos Laguna.

“The 20-year-old youth squad is already working at the Territorio Santos Modelo facilities, focused on his rehabilitation and physical conditioning plan.”

Munoz’s first-team involvement was limited on Tyneside, although he did make one senior appearance in a friendly against La Liga side Athletic Bilabo in July.

Speaking last year, former Magpies under-21s coach Elliott Dickman assesses the forward’s situation with the club, saying: “He’s one of those players who has to hit the ground running.

“The lad has got some qualities but we do need to see a lot more and the main thing is that he has had some really bad injuries and the length of time he’s had out with that makes it difficult to come back.