Newcastle United supporters could be forgiven for feeling a strong sense of déjà vu this week. After weeks of being heavily linked with a promising young attacker ahead of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have swooped in late once again to secure the player — this time, it’s Victor Munoz. Last year, the Reds did the same with Hugo Ekitike; this year, history repeats itself.

All indications had pointed towards the Magpies completing a deal for the highly-rated 22-year-old to strengthen an attack that ranked only ninth in the Premier League last season, especially after Anthony Gordon’s departure to Barcelona. But instead, Munoz is heading to Anfield, where he will be expected to help fill the voids left by Mohamed Salah’s exit, Ekitike’s injury, and the potential departure of Federico Chiesa. Liverpool have won the race once again.

For Munoz, it marks another big step in what has already been a fascinating career journey. Having come through the youth systems at both Barcelona and Real Madrid before joining Osasuna — a move that led to his first Spain call-up and a place in La Roja’s 2026 World Cup squad — the young winger has continually attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

So, what makes the 22-year-old special as he becomes the first signing under Andoni Iraola’s management at Liverpool?

Where it all began

Munoz’s footballing education is the stuff of dreams for many young players, having spent time in the academies of both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Born in Catalunya, he began at local club Sant Gabriel before joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. Yet, after three years, he left at 14 to join another respected youth setup — CF Damm — known for developing talents like Cristian Tello and Gerard Moreno.

Seeking more game time and responsibility than he had at Barcelona, Munoz thrived at Damm, his performances catching the eye of Real Madrid scouts. “There were other clubs interested, but once Madrid called, there was no competition — it was settled,” representatives from Damm told Relevo.

Munoz flourished in Madrid’s youth system, rising through the ranks to make his senior debut late in the 2024–25 season — ironically, against Barcelona. He featured again in a win over Sevilla and appeared twice at the Club World Cup that summer. But as his 22nd birthday approached, Munoz wanted regular first-team football — and the opportunity came soon enough.

The big break

Two days before turning 22, Munoz signed a five-year deal with Osasuna for €5 million, with Real Madrid including a buy-back clause. While Osasuna couldn’t replicate the success of their 2024–25 campaign — which saw them finish ninth in La Liga and reach the Copa del Rey quarter-finals — the move gave Munoz the consistent playing time he craved, and he repaid the faith with key performances that helped the club avoid relegation.

Osasuna survived on head-to-head results in a tense three-way tie with Mallorca and Levante. Munoz’s goal against Levante in December and assist versus Mallorca in March proved decisive. Those were among his eight goal contributions in La Liga — second only to 17-goal striker Ante Budimir. Remarkably, Munoz also played through pain to support his team’s survival fight, earning two Player of the Month awards and a maiden senior Spain call-up in March. He even scored on his debut for La Roja, coming off the bench against Serbia.

How it’s going

Despite having only two caps when Luis de la Fuente named Spain’s squad for the World Cup, Munoz impressed enough to earn a spot among the 26 players heading to the tournament. “He’s a player with immense potential, and he’s already shown at international level that he can compete at the highest standard,” De la Fuente said on RTVE’s ‘Los Desayunos’ programme.

Across the Atlantic, while Spain chase their first World Cup triumph since 2010, Munoz has also had to make a major career decision. Newcastle appeared to be the frontrunners for his signature, with Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, and even Barcelona showing interest. However, Liverpool activated his €40m (£34.5m/$46m) release clause, convincing him to join the Merseyside club instead.

Biggest strengths

Munoz is a winger who thrives on excitement and energy. Rapid, skillful, and fearless in taking on defenders, he is the type of player who gets supporters on their feet. His versatility is another major plus — he can operate on either flank or even in a more central attacking role behind the striker.

What truly endears Munoz to coaches and fans alike, though, is his work ethic. Described by De la Fuente as “very humble,” Munoz showed remarkable commitment during Osasuna’s relegation battle, pushing through discomfort to help his side stay up. Unlike many young attackers, he didn’t shy away from defensive duties, making him well-suited to a high-pressing system like Liverpool’s under Iraola.

Room for improvement

Munoz’s main area for growth is his end product — a common challenge for young attackers. Having played just one full season of senior football, there is room for refinement in his finishing and decision-making. With more experience, his accuracy and composure in front of goal will likely improve.

Once that happens, his pace, dribbling, and confidence in taking on defenders will make him an even more dangerous presence in the final third, capable of both creating and finishing chances.

The next Anthony Gordon?

Given Newcastle’s interest, it’s easy to see why Munoz draws comparisons to Anthony Gordon — the England international who recently joined Barcelona. Both players share similar traits: directness, confidence, creativity, and high work rate. Munoz’s defensive diligence mirrors Gordon’s, while his dribbling style has shades of the late Diogo Jota — positive, aggressive, and always looking to drive forward. He might not be the flashiest winger, but his blend of technical ability, energy, and drive makes him highly effective.

What comes next?

Munoz hopes to showcase his abilities during Spain’s World Cup campaign, although he remained an unused substitute in their disappointing 1–1 draw with Cape Verde on June 15. Regardless of his playing time, the tournament experience will be invaluable as he prepares for life at one of England’s biggest clubs.

He has already experienced both the highs and lows of football at Real Madrid — including the backlash that led him to deactivate his social media after missing a crucial chance in a Clasico defeat to Barcelona last year. That experience, coupled with the pressure of representing Spain, will serve him well as he steps onto the Anfield stage.

Although €40m isn’t an outrageous fee in modern football, it reflects Liverpool’s belief in Munoz’s potential. The expectation will be for him to make an immediate impact, whether as a starter or part of the Reds’ dynamic rotation of wingers. For Munoz, this could be the beginning of a defining chapter in a career already marked by ambition and resilience.