Liverpool have won the race for Victor Muñoz after triggering his £34.5 million release clause. The move comes after a breakout season at Osasuna, with Newcastle United having been in pole position before Liverpool moved in and got the deal over the line. Muñoz is set to join in July, subject to a work permit, while another source had said the move was completed and would be immediate.

Iraola’s role in the move

Andoni Iraola was a major part of the pitch. He told Liverpool’s hierarchy shortly after replacing Arne Slot that he was a huge admirer of Muñoz and believed the winger would suit a high-intensity, aggressive style of play. The pair then held a detailed phone conversation in which Iraola outlined exactly how he planned to use him.

That personal touch mattered. Marko Grujic 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."

Muñoz’s numbers explain why Liverpool pushed. He scored seven goals and added five assists in 36 appearances last season, a balanced return for a winger in a side that finished 17th in La Liga on 42 points. Liverpool finished 5th in the Premier League on 60 points, so the club were never shopping for a vanity signing. They needed more direct attacking quality, and Muñoz offered it.

Shirt numbers already open at Anfield

The shirt question is less important than the fee, but it is already there. Muñoz most recently wore number 21 for Osasuna, and that number is available at Liverpool. He also wore 44 for Real Madrid’s first team, but only four times, which makes it a less likely choice.

He wore 23 and 9 at Real Madrid Castilla, but 9 is currently occupied by Alexander Isak and 25 belongs to Giorgi Mamardashvili at Liverpool. Konstantinos Tsimikas is also in the picture if Liverpool reshuffle more numbers before Muñoz is registered. The football side is straightforward enough, he arrives with end product and a clear backer in Iraola. The rest is the kind of transfer detail Liverpool usually sort out quickly once the paperwork is done.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →