Liverpool make first major signing under Andoni Iraola as Reds hijack Newcastle's move

Liverpool have officially completed the acquisition of Spanish winger Victor Munoz, activating his €40million (£34.5m) release clause at Osasuna to secure the 22-year-old ahead of Newcastle United.

The deal is Andoni Iraola's inaugural signing since taking charge at Anfield following Arne Slot's departure earlier this month.

Munoz has committed to a six-year contract with the Merseyside club, who will settle the transfer fee across two payments.

The Magpies had been engaged in advanced negotiations for the forward following their sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool moved decisively to trigger the buyout clause and win the race for his signature.

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Munoz arrives at Anfield as a member of Spain's World Cup squad, having earned his first international cap in March.

La Liga expert Phil Minshull has described the winger as "one of the pearls of Spanish football" with an impressive work ethic.

Munoz, who typically operates from the left flank, came through Barcelona's renowned La Masia youth system before joining Real Madrid, where he made two substitute appearances.

He transferred to Osasuna in July 2025 for €5m (£3.8m), scoring seven goals and registering five assists across 36 matches during the previous campaign.

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Real Madrid retained a 50 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights, though concerns about playing time under Jose Mourinho deterred any return.

Munoz opted for Liverpool despite interest from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen.

Iraola was particularly drawn to the Spaniard's pace, his effectiveness against deep-lying defences, and his quality in the final third.

Mohamed Salah's impending departure has created an obvious requirement for attacking reinforcements at Anfield.

Liverpool believes Munoz will complement existing options Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, adding versatility to their forward line without limiting opportunities for 17-year-old Ngumoha, who recently made his England debut.

While acknowledging that Munoz's overall output needs improvement, the club's confidence in his development is reflected in the lengthy contract commitment.

Liverpool have a history of hijacking Newcastle's transfer targets in the past.

Last summer, Hugo Ekitike chose Liverpool over the Magpies before Alexander Isak subsequently forced through a move from St James' Park to Anfield.

For Newcastle, who had identified Munoz as Gordon's long-term replacement, the miss is a significant setback despite their efforts to act swiftly and avoid repeating last year's difficult transfer window.

Liverpool are expected to pursue further attacking additions this summer, with strong interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international currently at the World Cup, who is also attracting Paris Saint-Germain's attention.

Federico Chiesa may depart, with Italian clubs circling the forward who managed just one Premier League start last season.

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