Muniz makes most of limited opportunities - so could he move?
- Published
Newcastle are the latest club linked with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, who is also being linked with Leeds and Atalanta. The 24-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting spot at Craven Cottage, often playing second fiddle to Raul Jimenez over the past two seasons.
But he has attracted attention from potential suitors by making the most of limited opportunities. The Brazilian opened his Premier League account in a 2-2 draw at Burnley in February 2024, the first of 17 top-flight goals in the space of 16 months.
During this time he averages a goal every 128 minutes, the sixth best record in the competition. The only players to post better figures are Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah – arguably the league's three best forwards – plus Jhon Duran and Richarlison, both of whom mainly profited as impact substitutes.
Muniz has proved himself a clinical finisher over this period, outperforming his expected goals tally by 3.46, while also excelling in the air. Though hardly a giant at 6ft 1in, he has won an average of five aerial duels per 90 minutes since February 2024, the fourth best record of any players to appear regularly in the top flight.
Leeds have repeatedly targeted tall players this summer and Muniz's physicality could be a real asset to the newly promoted side. Winning a starting role at Newcastle or Atalanta may prove more challenging, but those clubs could offer the enticing prospect of Champions League football.
However, Fulham have yet to sign an outfield player this summer and they may be reluctant to let Muniz move on without first having a replacement lined up.
