Victor Muñoz says Andoni Iraola's confidence and style of play were central to his decision to choose Liverpool over Newcastle after a late hijack. He also said the move came quickly, with only concrete information really cutting through while he was focused on the World Cup.

Iraola's role in the decision

“He [Iraola] transmitted his confidence to me, the way his team plays… he played an important role in my decision,” Munoz told chroniclelive.co.uk. He added: “It all happened very quickly. I've been focused on the World Cup. I didn't want to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete.”

That is a fairly clear explanation of why the deal swung the way it did. Newcastle had already agreed a transfer fee, personal terms and groundwork for a medical in the USA, but Liverpool still moved in at the eleventh hour and got the winger's preference.

Liverpool also triggered Munoz's £34.5million release clause at Osasuna, which gives the move a different shape depending on whether you read it as a completed transfer or an agreed deal pending final steps. The reporting points to the same basic fact either way, Liverpool got there late and still beat Newcastle to him.

Liverpool's wider rebuild

The move does not change the bigger picture around Liverpool's squad work. Charlie Adam's view was blunt: “You're probably not going to be able to expect Munoz to replace Mo Salah. I still think they need three or four players.”

That is a sensible warning. Liverpool's last 10 matches have brought 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, and those 5 defeats include the 4-2 loss at Aston Villa and the 3-2 defeat at Manchester United. A winger arriving with promise is useful, but it does not suddenly settle the broader rebuild.

Munoz's own recent club form at least suggests there is something to work with. He has 1 goal and an 8.5 rating in his most recent club match, and he has been trusted across his last 5 club games. Liverpool will still need more than one signing to tidy up the problems around the squad, but this one does add another piece to the attack.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →