Andoni Iraola has employed the same transfer tactic that helped Jurgen Klopp secure his first signing at Liverpool. The Spanish international Victor Munoz became Iraola's first recruit last week, signing a six-year deal after Liverpool triggered his £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna.
Iraola's Personal Call Seals Deal
The 22-year-old forward, who recorded seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances last season, was also targeted by Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Manchester United. However, Iraola's personal phone call convinced Munoz that Liverpool was the right destination. The manager outlined his high-intensity, aggressive style of play and how he planned to use the winger, mirroring Klopp's approach with Marko Grujic in 2016.
Klopp's Similar Approach with Grujic
In January 2016, Klopp made an unexpected personal call to Grujic, then at Red Star Belgrade, to persuade him to join Liverpool for £5.1 million. Grujic later said, "When a coach like that calls you on the phone personally, that's the greatest privilege. That call really cemented my desire to join Liverpool." Despite interest from Chelsea, Inter, AC Milan, and Juventus, Grujic chose Liverpool.
Outcome for Grujic
Grujic made only eight Premier League appearances over four years, spending three seasons on loan at Cardiff City and Hertha Berlin before joining Porto permanently in 2020. Iraola will hope Munoz's Anfield career proves more successful.
