Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has replicated the transfer strategy that Jurgen Klopp used for his first signing at Anfield, securing a six-year deal for Spanish winger Victor Munoz. The 22-year-old attacker joined the Reds from Osasuna after Liverpool activated his £34.5 million release clause, beating Premier League rivals Newcastle United and other European clubs to his signature.
Iraola's personal phone call proves decisive
Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool manager, personally called Munoz to outline his vision for the player's role in the team. This tactic mirrors the approach Klopp took in January 2016 to sign Marko Grujic from Red Star Belgrade. The Serbian midfielder later revealed that Klopp's unexpected call cemented his desire to join Liverpool despite interest from Chelsea, Inter, AC Milan and Juventus.
Munoz, who scored seven goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances last season, was initially expected to join Newcastle United as a replacement for Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon. However, Liverpool's swift action and Iraola's influence swayed the deal.
Release clause triggered in full
Sporting director Richard Hughes moved quickly to trigger the release clause in full, unlike Newcastle who attempted to negotiate a reduced fee. Iraola had informed Liverpool's hierarchy shortly after his appointment that he held Munoz in high regard and believed the winger would fit perfectly into his high-octane, attacking style of play.
The two engaged in an extensive telephone discussion during which Iraola detailed how he intended to deploy the Spaniard. That conversation ultimately persuaded Munoz to choose Liverpool over rival interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United.
Klopp's successful template
Klopp's personal call to Grujic in 2015 proved similarly effective. Grujic said after signing: 'His vision is that I should be something between a No.6 and a No.10, what they call a box-to-box midfielder. 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.'
Grujic's time at Liverpool did not live up to expectations, however, as he made only eight Premier League appearances across four years, with three of those seasons spent on loan at Cardiff City and Hertha Berlin before a permanent move to Porto in 2020.
Munoz expected to join in July
Munoz is expected to join his new teammates on Merseyside in July, pending a work permit. The transfer marks the first signing of the Iraola era as Liverpool look to build on their recent successes under the new manager.
