Liverpool hijack Newcastle's move for Víctor Muñoz to seal first Iraola signing

Liverpool have signed Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz for £34 million, activating his release clause to pip Newcastle United to the 22-year-old’s signature — the second consecutive summer the Reds have beaten the Magpies to a transfer target.

Transfer reporters Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both confirmed the deal, with Muñoz’s medical already completed on American soil following a rapid pursuit coordinated by sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards. The move marks the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield.

Newcastle had been in advanced talks for the La Liga attacker before Liverpool entered the race, verbally agreed personal terms with Muñoz, and triggered the €40 million release clause. It mirrors last summer’s sequence of events, when Liverpool also snatched Hugo Ekitike from under Newcastle’s noses.

Muñoz contributed six goals in 31 La Liga starts for Osasuna last season, averaging more than two dribbles per game at a completion rate above 40 per cent and winning nearly nine duels per match — numbers that underline a forward willing to press and compete physically. Creativity in the final third is considered the area with the most room for development, though his profile as a hard-working, well-rounded attacker gives Iraola a ready-made option on the left flank.

The Spaniard is expected to provide competition for Cody Gakpo, whose form drew heavy criticism during the 2025/26 campaign. At 22, Muñoz is also viewed as a player with significant upside should he develop the goal-and-assist output that elite wide forwards are expected to produce.

Liverpool are understood to be active on further fronts this window, with Yan Diomande among the names linked as the club looks to rebuild following Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season.