Liverpool sign winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna after beating Newcastle United to Spain international's signature
Updated 18/06/2026 at 19:57 GMT+1
React to this story
Liverpool have completed the signing of Osasuna winger and Spain international Victor Munoz for a reported fee of £34.5 million. The 22-year-old becomes the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield.
'Many things to correct' - Spain react to shock Cape Verde draw in World Cup opener
Video credit: SNTV
The forward, who is capable of operating on both flanks, underwent a medical on Wednesday while on 2026 FIFA World Cup duty in the United States.
Liverpool sent staff to oversee the final stages of the process at the Spanish national team’s base in Tennessee, and the club have confirmed a deal has been agreed to bring the versatile attacker to Anfield on a six-year contract, according to the BBC.
Newcastle United reportedly had been in advanced talks for the player following the departure of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool moved ahead in the race for his signature.
The player's stock has risen steadily after a strong season in which he registered seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances.
In a club statement released on Thursday, Liverpool revealed the deal is still subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance.
The move for one of Spain's most coveted rising stars represents an early indication of the Premier League club's direction under new leadership.
Munoz's career path has already taken him through some of Spain’s most prominent academies. A product of Barcelona's La Masia system, he later joined Real Madrid, where first-team opportunities were limited to brief substitute appearances.
A move to Osasuna followed in July 2025 for €5million, with Madrid retaining a 50% sell-on clause and matching rights on any future deal.
Although Madrid briefly considered re-signing him, concerns over his potential role under Jose Mourinho reportedly cooled their interest. Barcelona, too, had monitored his progress before turning their attention elsewhere.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/18/image-59131f98-5e00-470d-a13a-7a60c7e5d38f.jpeg)
Munoz is capable of operating on both flanks
Image credit: Getty Images
Munoz has already earned two caps for Spain, scoring on his debut against Serbia in March.
He joined Osasuna last summer from Real Madrid, having made four senior appearances for the Spanish giants after progressing through their academy system.
Earlier in his development, he also spent time in the youth ranks of Barcelona, underlining a career path shaped by two of Spain’s most prominent football institutions.
Munoz could feature in Spain's second World Cup group match against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday before linking up with his new club after his country's involvement in the tournament concludes.
He becomes Liverpool’s second addition ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, following the earlier agreement to sign Jeremy Jacquet.
Why Liverpool's attack needs Munoz makeover
Last summer saw Hugo Ekitike opt for Liverpool over Newcastle, before Alexander Isak later completed a move in the opposite direction, leaving St James' Park for Anfield.
The latest chapter in that growing transfer rivalry appears to follow a similar script, with the Merseysiders once again moving decisively ahead of The Magpies in the race to sign Munoz.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/18/image-b4d8872a-e827-4d37-91a6-004a62135790.jpeg)
Hugo Ekitike was a Newcastle target last summer before joining Liverpool
Image credit: Getty Images
Liverpool reportedly triggered the player's release clause at Osasuna to effectively hijack Eddie Howe's attempt to secure his signature.
Predominantly deployed from the left at Osasuna despite being right-footed, Munoz arrives at a time when Liverpool are reshaping their attacking options.
- Arsenal agree Alvarez-Gyokeres swap deal with Atletico - Euro Transfer News
- 'He's not the same as before' - Ronaldo debate intensifies after Portugal stumble
- Martinez jumps to Ronaldo's defence - but the stats paint a stark picture
With Mohamed Salah departing on a free transfer, the need for wide reinforcements has become increasingly urgent.
Under former manager Arne Slot, Liverpool's attack lacked the same zip from their 2024/25 title-winning campaign, with the sharp interplay involving Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota - as well as Darwin Nunez's less-frequent impact off the substitutes' bench - not sufficiently replaced.
Munoz, alongside Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, will enhance tactical flexibility, while Harvey Elliott will be hopeful of a second chance after returning from his unsuccessful loan spell at Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s recruitment plans are not expected to stop there, with the club reportedly retaining a firm interest in RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, who is also at the World Cup with Cote d'Ivoire.
Federico Chiesa’s future remains uncertain, with interest emerging from Italy. The forward is seeking regular minutes after starting just one league match last season, leaving open the possibility of a summer departure.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Watch and stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement