Liverpool have completed the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million, with the Spain international becoming the first acquisition of the Andoni Iraola era. The 22-year-old winger underwent his medical on Wednesday and will sign a six-year contract at Anfield.
Transfer Battle Won
The Reds edged out Newcastle United to land Munoz, but also fended off interest from Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, and Real Madrid. Barcelona had been interested before signing Anthony Gordon, but Real Madrid's matching rights clause with Osasuna ruled out their La Liga rivals.
Liverpool triggered Munoz's release clause, of which 50% is due to Real Madrid, who sold the player last summer. New head coach Iraola was a driving force in the deal, having admired the former Real Madrid youngster.
Iraola's Influence
The 20-time Premier League champions stepped up their long-standing interest after early talks between Iraola and the club's recruitment staff. The versatile Munoz is set to add depth to a forward line that lost Mohamed Salah at the end of the campaign and will be without Hugo Ekitike for the foreseeable future due to a ruptured Achilles.
Ekitike, who suffered the injury in a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April, is targeting a return in December but is still using a crutch. Liverpool's capture of Munoz is not expected to affect their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with talks ongoing for the 19-year-old.
Medical and Contract
The club sent a delegation to the United States, where Munoz is with Spain for the World Cup, and a medical was undertaken after permission from the Spanish Football Federation. Liverpool will pay the fee in two instalments.
Munoz's tactical flexibility allows him to operate across the frontline, meaning his arrival will not hinder the development of Rio Ngumoha, who made his England debut earlier this month. Munoz registered six goals and two assists in 34 La Liga appearances for Osasuna last season.
Impact on Newcastle and Chiesa
This is the third time in a year Liverpool have dealt Newcastle a transfer blow, having signed Ekitike last summer and Alexander Isak for a British record £125m. The deal also complicates the future of Federico Chiesa, who is wanted by Italian clubs. Iraola's style may suit Chiesa, but the Italy international is keen for more game time.
