Santiago Munoz had a 'great experience' at Newcastle United despite failing in his bid to earn a permanent transfer. That is the view of first-team development coach Ben Dawson after the young Mexican striker returned to parent club Santos Laguna.
Munoz signed on an initial 18-month loan deal in August 2021 in a deal which drew inevitable parallels to the protagonist from the 2005 film Goal!. However, the 20-year-old struggled to make an impact in black-and-white and the prospect of the Magpies taking up the option to make the move permanent always seemed unlikely.
Eddie Howe did hand Munoz his first-team debut in August at St James' Park with a late cameo in the pre-season friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao. It was an experience which the young forward would kickstart his time on Tyneside, but injuries once again limited his impact this season.
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Reflecting on Munoz's exit, Dawson told ChronicleLive: "I think he's enjoyed his time here. As much as we didn't take the option, he's had a great experience, loved his time here and made some friends. He's improved as a footballer and as a person, so I think he goes back in a better place."
Munoz made just four Premier League 2 appearances this term, and he missed almost four months before returning to make a final cameo in the Premier League Cup defeat to Sheffield United in December. Santos Laguna technical director Eduardo Fentanes insists the returning striker will have to prove his fitness before the club decide upon his next step.
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