Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, with the Spain international undergoing his medical on Wednesday. The 22-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a six-year contract worth £34.5 million, making him the first acquisition of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield.
Reds Beat Off Stiff Competition
The Liverpool ECHO reports that the Reds have fended off interest from a host of top clubs to secure Munoz's services. Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, and Real Madrid all expressed interest in the former Real Madrid youngster. Barcelona also considered a move before securing England star Anthony Gordon, but Real Madrid's matching rights clause in their agreement with Osasuna quickly 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 for just €5 million. New head coach Iraola was a driving force behind the deal, having admired Munoz since his time at Real Madrid's youth setup.
Deal Structure and Impact on Squad
The transfer fee will be paid in two instalments. Munoz's versatility is expected to add depth to Liverpool's forward line, which lost Mohamed Salah at the end of the season 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 early April, is targeting a return in December but is still using a crutch.
The impending capture of Munoz is not thought to affect Liverpool's pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with talks ongoing. European champions PSG are also interested in Diomande, but Leipzig are reluctant to sell the 19-year-old, who has been valued at €100 million (£86.5 million).
Medical Completed in the United States
Liverpool sent a delegation to the United States, where Munoz is currently with Spain for the World Cup. The medical was conducted in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after the Spanish Football Federation granted permission. Spain began their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Cape Verde on Monday, with Munoz an unused substitute.
Munoz's tactical flexibility allows him to operate across all areas of the frontline, meaning Liverpool do not feel the new arrival will hinder the development of Rio Ngumoha, who made his England debut earlier this month before his 18th birthday.
Previous Transfer Battles with Newcastle
This marks the third time in a year that Liverpool have dealt Newcastle a blow in the transfer market, having previously won the race for Ekitike and then securing Alexander Isak for a British record fee of £125 million, despite Newcastle's preference to keep the Sweden international.
Munoz, born in Catalonia, spent three years at Barcelona's La Masia academy before joining Real Madrid as an 18-year-old. He registered six goals and two assists in 34 La Liga appearances for Osasuna last season.
The deal also complicates the future of Federico Chiesa, who is wanted by clubs in Italy. While there is belief internally that Iraola's style suits the former Juventus man, Chiesa is keen for more game time, and Liverpool expect interest from Serie A clubs.
