Andoni Iraola gets first transfer win as €40m forward arrives

Liverpool have kicked off the Andoni Iraola regime with the signing of Victor Munoz.

The 22-year-old winger only joined Osasuna from Real Madrid in summer 2025 but is already on the move. Spanish international Munoz enjoyed a breakout campaign in LaLiga - leading to a transfer chase for his signature.

An alluring €40m clause existed in his deal - and Real Madrid passed up the opportunity to exercise their buyback clause. Newcastle at one stage thought they had a deal wrapped up for the wide man - who prefers playing off the left.

But a decisive few days for Anfield decision-makers saw the outgoing Premier League champions seal a deal for the hardworking winger.

Victor Munoz on Liverpool transfer shortlist before Iraola arrived

The need for wide attackers was pronounced even when Arne Slot was in charge.

With Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa leaving the Merseysiders are short of numbers in that area. Munoz adds pace and one-v-one quality to the Liverpool attack - capable of playing across the frontline.

And the Athletic has now revealed the decisive role played by Iraola in the acquisition of his fellow countryman.

Iraola steps in to complete Munoz deal

The report states that Richard Hughes stepped up plans to sign Munoz following consultation with Iraola. And the Basque tactico is keen to work with Munoz - who he believes will fit his new-look Liverpool attack like a glove.

“It was following the appointment of Iraola on June 4 that Liverpool discreetly stepped up their pursuit,” the report reads.

“Munoz was discussed in the initial squad planning meetings Iraola held with Hughes after accepting the opportunity to take over from Slot.

“Iraola, who has an extensive knowledge of La Liga, made it clear he was a big fan of Munoz and believed he would be the perfect fit for the kind of aggressive, front-foot brand of football he’s looking to instill at Anfield.

“There was a phone conversation between Iraola and Munoz earlier this week when the new Liverpool head coach presented his plan for the young winger in great detail. They have spoken a number of times since.

“Senior sources at Osasuna believe that chatting with Iraola changed everything regarding Munoz’s situation, with his heart then set on moving to Anfield.”

Andoni Iraola changes everything

It is unknown whether or not Munoz would have been attracted to Anfield if Arne Slot was still in charge. But it goes to show the pulling power Liverpool now have with an exciting head coach like 43-year-old Iraola in place.

He hold considerable sway - spelling out exactly what he hopes to achieve with Munoz once they start working together in preseason.

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