Victor Munoz, Liverpool's first summer signing under Andoni Iraola, has won the World Cup with Spain after they defeated Argentina on Sunday. The 23-year-old officially became Iraola's first signing at the start of the tournament and will now arrive at Anfield as a world champion.
Munoz's Role in Spain's World Cup Victory
Despite being an unused substitute in all eight of Spain's World Cup matches, Munoz was a key part of the squad, as evidenced by photos from the tournament. Liverpool will be encouraged that he is unlikely to be fatigued but has benefited from training alongside elite players. The £35 million signing from Osasuna is expected to make a domestic impact as well.
Rest and Recovery Before Premier League Debut
Munoz will now take a mandatory four-week break, making him available in mid-August, just seven days before Liverpool's Premier League season opener away at Newcastle United. That fixture carries added significance, as Liverpool hijacked Newcastle's deal to sign Munoz. Hostilities between the clubs grew during the Alexander Isak saga 12 months ago, when the Swedish striker moved between the two sides shortly before their clash at St James' Park.
Liverpool's Pre-Season Preparations
Isak, who was knocked out of the World Cup at the round of 32 stage with Sweden, is among the first-team stars not officially named in Liverpool's 31-man squad for their pre-season tour of the United States. However, he is expected to join up with the squad alongside Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch ahead of their game against Wrexham on July 30. Alisson Becker could return for the final match against Leeds United.
Iraola's side will then face Monaco and Como at Anfield in August, with Munoz potentially back in training ahead of the latter fixture. He will almost certainly not feature, however, as World Cup finalist Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be slowly reintroduced after struggling with the busy fixture schedule last season. Mac Allister missed just 61 minutes out of a possible 810 for Argentina, who were forced to play extra-time three times, and was visibly distraught after the defeat to Spain.
