News Focus
- Liverpool trigger £34.5m release clause to sign Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz
- Spanish international becomes first arrival under new head coach Andoni Iraola
- Reds win race against Newcastle United to secure versatile 22-year-old attacker
- Player completes medical in Atlanta while on World Cup duty with Spain
Liverpool have completed the signing of Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna. The Premier League club paid £34.5m to activate the player’s release clause. This makes the Spaniard the first new arrival under head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 22-year-old has agreed a six-year contract with the Reds. He finished his medical tests on Wednesday in Atlanta. The forward is currently in the United States with the Spain squad for the World Cup.
Newcastle United also wanted to sign Muñoz. However, Liverpool acted fast to win the battle for his signature. Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen had shown interest too. Barcelona and Real Madrid had monitored the winger during his youth career but chose other targets.
Iraola pushed hard for this transfer after taking charge at Anfield. The Basque coach values Muñoz’s flexibility on the pitch. The attacker can play on either wing or through the centre. His speed fits Liverpool’s plan to add more pace to their squad.
Muñoz has earned two caps for Spain. He scored on his debut against Serbia in March. He was an unused substitute in the recent draw with Cape Verde.
This signing does not change Federico Chiesa’s situation. The Italian winger had limited minutes under former boss Arne Slot. He might suit Iraola’s style better but still wants more playing time. A transfer remains possible for Chiesa.
Meanwhile, defender Ibrahima Konaté has confirmed his exit. The Frenchman will join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires this month. Madrid have also signed Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva since appointing José Mourinho as manager.