Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Osasuna and Spain winger Victor Munoz, making him the first acquisition since the appointment of new head coach Andoni Iraola. The 22-year-old Spain international will join the Reds after they triggered his £34.5 million release clause.
Contract Details and Rivals Beaten
Munoz will sign a six-year contract with Liverpool. The club fended off significant interest from several top clubs, including Newcastle United, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen. Barcelona had also been tracking Munoz before signing Anthony Gordon. However, Real Madrid held a matching rights clause from when they sold Munoz to Osasuna last summer, effectively blocking any move to their bitter La Liga rivals.
Real Madrid Clause and Financials
Because Real Madrid sold Munoz to Osasuna for just €5 million last year while retaining a 50% sell-on clause, they will receive half of Liverpool's £34.5 million transfer fee. The Reds will pay the fee in two instalments.
Medical and Background
A Liverpool delegation travelled directly to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Spain are currently based for the World Cup, to complete Munoz's medical after receiving permission from the Spanish Football Federation.
Impact on Liverpool Squad
The transfer adds crucial depth to an attacking unit that lost Mohamed Salah at the end of the season and is facing the long-term absence of Hugo Ekitike, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in April. The signing is intentionally profiled to bring the best out of star striker Alexander Isak. Furthermore, because Munoz is highly versatile across the front line, the Reds feel his arrival will not hurt the development of 17-year-old rising star Rio Ngumoha.
This marks the third time in a single year that Liverpool have dealt a massive blow to Newcastle United in the market, following the previous captures of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Impact on Federico Chiesa
While internal staff believe Iraola's style of football actually suits Federico Chiesa, Munoz's arrival complicates his position further. Chiesa wants more playing time, and Liverpool expect to field serious transfer interest from Serie A clubs.
