Where is Santiago Munoz? The mystery story of the on-loan Newcastle United forward

It’s been 72 days since Santiago Munoz completed his 18-month loan move to Newcastle United - yet his arrival has become something of a mystery.

Signing an unknown player from Mexico wouldn’t tend to grab national headlines but the likeness to the film GOAL! has generated a strong degree of interest.

Munoz, however, is yet to kick a ball for the Magpies. But perhaps that goes along with the true spirit of the film. He just needs a Gavin Harris-type figure to take him under his wing.

But back to being serious, questions are being asked over the 19-year-old’s whereabouts on Tyneside as supporters eagerly await his under-23s bow.

Here, we take a look at what’s going on with Munoz:

What are the terms of Santiago Munoz’s loan move?

Munoz joined Newcastle on loan from Mexican top-flight Santos Laguna until January 2023 initially.

There is an option for the club to activate a permanent move but by the time Munoz gets up-and-running, he’ll have just 12 months to make an impression.

What has Santiago Munoz said about his Newcastle United move?

Speaking to the Grant Wahl Podcast in early-October, Munoz said: “I am very, very happy. It’s something that is fabulous. The club is very good. All the people in the club are very good. The city, I really like it.

“The stadium is a historical stadium and a historical club. I am working very hard my first months here so I can get into the group.

“Right now I am training separately. They are working to get me physically ready. I am working for that to be quickly part of the group.

“I know that I will be firstly working with the Under 23s but my goal is to be quicker and to be with the first team”.

So, where is Santiago Munoz?

Upon his arrival on Tyneside, Munoz underwent individual training with the club’s sports scientists in order to get him ‘up to speed’.

Indeed, it has been far from ideal preparation for the forward. He didn’t arrive in England until mid-September after spending two weeks in quarantine in Madrid.

Whilst building up his fitness and addressing other areas of his game , Munoz has had a muscular injury to deal with, which has delayed his debut.

It is hoped the wait for Munoz’s first outing will be over soon with new under-23s lead coach Elliott Dickman, academy coaches and supporters keen to see him in action.