Liverpool seal Victor Munoz signing and close in on £86.7m Yan Diomande as Iraola era begins

Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna on a six-year deal, making the 22-year-old winger Andoni Iraola’s first recruit since taking charge at Anfield. The Spaniard completed his medical on Wednesday, with fitness tests carried out in Tennessee, and the transfer fee will be paid in two instalments — 50% of which goes to Real Madrid, who sold Munoz to Osasuna last summer.

The Reds beat off competition from Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United and Real Madrid to land Munoz, underlining their intent to rebuild quickly following a difficult 2024-25 campaign under Arne Slot that ended with a fifth-place Premier League finish and no silverware.

Attention has already shifted to a second major deal. Liverpool indicated to RB Leipzig on Thursday evening that they are prepared to pay up to €100 million (£86.7m) for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, moving the club a significant step closer to securing the Bundesliga forward. The pace of both pursuits has surprised many observers in the transfer market.

Should the Diomande deal be confirmed, Liverpool’s focus is expected to turn to midfield reinforcement, with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi emerging as a high-profile target. The 18-year-old Morocco international caught the eye at the World Cup on his tournament debut, helping his side to a 1-1 draw with Brazil. Liverpool are reported to have previously held talks with the player’s representatives.

Bouaddi will not come easily. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the teenager, who made 42 appearances for Lille last season. Liverpool’s ability to move quickly and decisively — as shown in the Munoz pursuit — may prove an advantage as the race for his signature develops.