Journalist: Liverpool set to confirm €40m signing this week

Journalist: Liverpool set to confirm €40m signing this week Liverpool Set to Confirm Victor Munoz as First Signing of Iraola Era Liverpool are closing in on the official announcement of Victor Munoz after activating the release clause in the Osasuna forward’s contract, with the Spain international expected to become Andoni Iraola’s first signing at Anfield. The move represents an early statement of intent from Liverpool’s new head coach. Following the departure of Mohamed Salah and a disappointing end to the previous campaign, attention has turned towards refreshing the attacking options available to Iraola. Munoz, at 22 years of age, arrives with significant potential and valuable experience from La Liga. Reports indicate Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £34.5 million after triggering the player’s release clause, with the transfer now entering its final stages ahead of official confirmation. Iraola Influence Behind Liverpool Move Liverpool’s recruitment team have tracked Victor Munoz for some time, but Iraola’s arrival appears to have accelerated the process. The new head coach is understood to be a strong admirer of the attacker, having followed his development closely during his time in Spain. Munoz’s versatility is viewed as a major asset. He can operate on either wing and is also capable of playing through the middle, offering Liverpool valuable tactical flexibility. Photo: IMAGO Last season, Munoz scored seven goals for Osasuna and continued to establish himself as one of the more promising attacking talents in Spanish football. With Hugo Ekitike expected to miss the opening stages of the new campaign through injury, Liverpool see Munoz as a player capable of contributing immediately while also developing into a longer term option across multiple attacking positions. Competition Beaten for Signature Liverpool’s ability to secure Victor Munoz is particularly notable given the level of competition involved. Newcastle United had appeared to be leading the race and believed they had completed the groundwork required to bring the player to St James’ Park. Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid and Barcelona were also credited with interest. Newcastle reportedly agreed a package worth £33.3 million, made up of an initial £29 million plus £4.3 million in add ons. Personal terms had been accepted, agent fees settled and preparations were underway for a medical in the United States. Confidence on Tyneside was high after the player indicated he wanted the move. However, developments over the following 24 hours changed the picture significantly. Liverpool maintained contact throughout the process and moved decisively when the opportunity presented itself, ultimately convincing Victor Munoz that Anfield was the best destination for the next stage of his career. Announcement Expected This Week According to reports from Germany, all documentation has now been completed and only the formal unveiling remains. Florian Plettenberg posted on X: “Victor Muñoz to Liverpool set to be finalised and announced this week. All done and sealed. Liverpool are activating €40m release clause.” Munoz has already completed his medical while in the United States with Spain’s World Cup squad and is expected to sign a six year contract. The former Real Madrid youngster had opportunities elsewhere, including the possibility of returning to Madrid. Barcelona also monitored the situation closely. Ultimately, concerns over playing opportunities elsewhere appear to have strengthened Liverpool’s position. Forward Planning at Anfield Liverpool’s pursuit of Victor Munoz highlights a wider strategy focused on building a younger, more dynamic attack for the future. While replacing a player of Salah’s stature is impossible through a single signing, Munoz offers qualities that fit the profile Liverpool are targeting under Iraola. Pace, versatility, technical quality and room for development all feature prominently in the club’s thinking. Assuming the expected announcement arrives in the coming days, Victor Munoz will become the first new face of a significant summer rebuild, and potentially one of the most intriguing arrivals of Liverpool’s transfer window.