Liverpool have acted swiftly in the transfer market by triggering the £34 million release clause of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz, effectively hijacking Newcastle United’s pursuit of the Spanish international. The 22-year-old is now set to become the first signing under new head coach Andoni Iraola at Anfield.

Liverpool move decisively to land Munoz

According to BBC reports, the Reds have activated the €40 million (£34.6 million) release clause in Munoz’s Osasuna contract, marking a major statement of intent this summer. Munoz, one of La Liga’s standout young talents, is now on the verge of joining the Premier League giants.

The transfer progressed at remarkable speed as Liverpool moved to avoid extended negotiations. Club medical personnel have reportedly flown to the United States, where Munoz is currently training with Spain’s World Cup squad, to finalise the medical assessment and accelerate the completion of the deal. This bold step has allowed Liverpool to outpace Newcastle United, who had made Munoz a key target to bolster their attacking options.

Newcastle forced to reconsider after Liverpool’s intervention

Newcastle had earmarked Munoz as a priority signing following Anthony Gordon’s transfer to Barcelona. Talks between the Magpies and Osasuna had reached an advanced stage before Liverpool’s intervention completely shifted the dynamics of the deal.

By meeting Munoz’s release clause in full, Liverpool bypassed Osasuna’s negotiating position and moved directly to secure the player’s services. This proactive approach has given the Merseyside club a definitive edge, leaving Newcastle to explore alternative attacking reinforcements as they look to reinvest the funds from Gordon’s departure.

A strategic addition for Iraola’s Liverpool project

If all formalities go as planned, Munoz will become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era. The Spaniard was appointed as Liverpool’s head coach earlier this month, and Munoz’s arrival would signal the beginning of his reshaping of the squad.

Munoz’s attributes—his pace, close control, and tactical flexibility across the forward line—align well with Iraola’s high-energy, pressing-oriented style. His growing international pedigree, underscored by his inclusion in Spain’s World Cup squad, further enhances his profile as a dynamic addition to the Reds’ attack.

Official announcement imminent

The transfer is now in its final stages, with medical procedures expected to be completed while Munoz remains with the Spanish national team in the United States. Once those checks are concluded, Liverpool are anticipated to announce the move officially. The focus will then shift to how quickly Munoz can adapt to English football and integrate into Iraola’s tactical framework ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.