Santiago Muñoz: I don't regret anything about Newcastle loan
Santiago Muñoz is embarking on a new chapter with Liga MX’s Santos Laguna, after returning from an 18-month loan spell with Newcastle United.
The forward joined the English team in August 2021, signing an initial loan deal with the option to purchase. Muñoz made his first-team debut weeks after arriving, in a pre-season friendly over Athletic Bilbao at St. James’ Park. But his involvement under Eddie Howe quickly dwindled, as injuries impacted his season. Consequently, he spent the majority of his time with the Under-23 team before Newcastle rejected the option for a permanent transfer.
But, regardless of the outcome, Muñoz does not regret the loan.
“There was a lot of talk for 18 months, some people agreed with the move, many people disagreed. But for me personally, it helped me a lot. I take it as a lesson, something very positive for me and now I have to apply it with Santos. I realized what I am capable of doing at that moment and of course I don't regret anything, far from it,” Muñoz said exclusively to 90min.
Upon returning, the forward continues to advise more young players in Liga MX to 'take the risk' of playing abroad, insisting the experience will serve to further an individual’s capacity and the overall sport in Mexico.
“We do have to change that mentality. We have to improve, because there is a lot of talent and ability in Mexico," he said.
"When I left, everything I did was to improve my technical abilities, to improve as a person at the age of 19 that I left and to be able to help Mexican soccer at any time that is requested. So, you have to take the risk, why not? We as Mexicans can, and we have the desire to demonstrate ourselves abroad. I hope that desire is soon reflected."
Despite constant interest from European leagues, only few Mexican Liga MX players have completed transfers abroad. Since 2020, just eight figures finalized a move from Mexico to Europe César Montes, Orbelin Pineda, Gerardo Arteaga, Jorge Sanchez, Santiago Gimenez, Johan Vazquez, Guillermo Ochoa and Santiago Muñoz.
While elsewhere in North and South America, the numbers are exponentially higher. Major League Soccer, alone, exported 12 American figures in 2022.
Santiago Muñoz proves a move to Europe, even a loan spell, can improve a player. He explains that an 18-month loan spell and return to Liga MX can inspire success in Mexico, and abroad.
“My objective right now as I return with joy, emotion and passion to Santos is to do great things with the club. I want to give them back everything they have given me, since I arrived here at 14 years old and of course I believe that doing things well here, as everyone watches, opens the door to Europe and the Mexican national team,” he said.