Liverpool have made their first major statement of the Andoni Iraola era after completing the signing of Osasuna’s highly rated winger Victor Muñoz, dramatically hijacking Newcastle United’s move for the talented youngster in the process
The Reds have officially triggered the £34.5 million (€40m) release clause in the 22-year-old’s contract, ruthlessly snatching him from under the noses of Eddie Howe’s side. Muñoz has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at Anfield after completing a medical at Spain’s World Cup base in the United States.
How the hijack unfolded
For several days, it appeared Muñoz was destined for St James’ Park. Newcastle had reportedly agreed on a £25.9 million package with Osasuna, and the Magpies were confident of securing his signature.
However, Liverpool’s recruitment team, who have tracked Muñoz’s rapid rise for an extensive period, moved rapidly once Andoni Iraola gave the green light.
Iraola, who spent the vast majority of his playing career with Athletic Bilbao, remains an avid follower of La Liga and was desperate to bring his compatriot to Merseyside.
With Iraola pushing for injections of elite pace and versatility into his frontline, Liverpool bypassed negotiations with Osasuna entirely by triggering the £34.5 million release clause.
The fee will be paid in two separate instalments as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Interestingly, Real Madrid are set to pocket 50% of that fee due to a sell-on clause negotiated when Muñoz moved to Osasuna for just £5.2 million back in 2025.
Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, and Real Madrid all shortlisted the player earlier this summer, but Liverpool’s decisive, swift action left rival suitors most notably a heartbroken Newcastle in the dust.
Medical in the States and World Cup duty
The logistics of the transfer required some transatlantic coordination. Muñoz is currently in the United States representing Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
The forward underwent his medical checks in Atlanta and Tennessee before signing his long-term contract. While the deal is formally completed, it remains subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance, both of which are expected to be formalities.
Muñoz, who has two international caps and scored on his debut against Serbia in March, was an unused substitute during Spain’s frustrating 0-0 opening group-stage draw against Cape Verde. He is expected to feature this Sunday when Spain take on Saudi Arabia in Atlanta.
Because of his international commitments, the 22-year-old will not link up with his new Liverpool teammates until later in the summer. His integration into pre-season training will depend heavily on how deep Spain progress into the tournament.
He joins French defender Jérémy Jacquet and young prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe as the club’s early arrivals for the 2026/27 campaign.
The attraction to Muñoz is obvious. He is a dynamic, explosive, and highly versatile forward who fits the exact profile Iraola demands from his attacking players.
While he predominantly operates off the left wing, he is equally comfortable playing on the right flank or leading the line as a central striker. Having bounced between the academies of both Barcelona and Real Madrid in his youth, his technical baseline is incredibly high. Last season for Los Rojillos, he registered seven goals and five assists in 34 appearances.
Iraola’s tactical blueprint relies on high-intensity pressing and vertical speed. Muñoz gives them exactly that an injection of raw pace that can stretch low blocks and terrorise transitions.
ReadLiverpoolFC Verdict
Executing a transfer hijack is always sweet, but doing it to a direct top-four rival like Newcastle makes it taste even better. At £34.5 million, Victor Muñoz represents extraordinary value in the current market. Getting an inherently versatile, 22-year-old Spanish international with elite pace for that price is a masterstroke by the recruitment team.
He provides immediate competition across the entire front three, giving Iraola tactical flexibility from day one. If the club can follow this up by landing Yan Diomandé for £86 million, Liverpool’s frontline will look profoundly younger, faster, and utterly terrifying ahead of the new season. It’s a phenomenal start to the summer.
