Victor Munoz: Liverpool’s First Signing Under Iraola
Liverpool’s new era under Andoni Iraola has its first statement of intent. His name is Victor Munoz.
The 22-year-old Spaniard arrived from Osasuna last week after the Reds moved decisively, triggering his £34.5m release clause and beating Newcastle United to the punch. Liverpool had tracked him for some time, but Iraola’s appointment lit the fuse. Once the new head coach made his move, the deal accelerated.
Newcastle had been closest. Their advances were serious, and for a time they looked well placed to land the Spain international. Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United and former club Real Madrid had all registered interest too. Munoz, who made two senior appearances for Madrid before heading to Osasuna last year, had no shortage of options.
Liverpool won it with clarity.
Speaking to EFE in Spain, Munoz explained that it was Iraola’s detailed vision for him at Anfield that turned a long courtship into a commitment.
“I've been focused on the World Cup, so I didn't want to hear much about my future unless it was something clear,” he said. “Liverpool is an opportunity you can't miss.
“It all took place very quickly. Iraola transmitted his confidence to me, how his team plays. He had an important role when it came to choosing.”
That connection mattered. Iraola, known for high-energy, aggressive football, clearly sold Munoz on a role that fits his strengths. The message landed. Once Liverpool’s interest became concrete under their new coach, Newcastle and the rest were left trailing.
For Osasuna, it brings a bittersweet end to a remarkable chapter. Munoz only joined last year, but his impact was profound.
“Osasuna, it's an incredible place. I will always keep it in my heart,” he said. “They have made me live the best football year of my entire career.”
Those are not the words of a player in a rush to forget where he came from. They are the words of someone who knows this move is a leap, not an escape.
Right now, though, Munoz’s battle is not for a place in Liverpool’s starting XI. It is for minutes at the World Cup.
A muscle injury has kept him out of Spain’s opening two games – a surprise draw with Cape Verde and a commanding win over Saudi Arabia. While his country has started solidly, he has watched it all from the sidelines, a spectator to the tournament he has dreamed about since childhood.
“We were carrying it (the injury), but I noticed a discomfort and we are trying to resume the process to be on the field as soon as possible,” he explained.
The frustration is raw.
“They have been very complicated moments because this is the dream of a child and seeing that it can be twisted by an injury annoys you a lot.”
To cope, Munoz has leaned on support beyond the physio room. He has been working closely with Javier Lopez Vallejo, a psychologist with the La Roja set-up, to keep his head clear while his body catches up.
“Both abroad and here with Javi I have my talks. It helps me a lot, it helps me to see another perspective of everything that happens here. It's a pleasure to have him.
“My team-mates have been a fundamental pillar for me to be eager every day. [The World Cup] is the only thing I think about. It's a dream and I want to be on the pitch as soon as possible.”
That hunger is exactly what Liverpool are buying. A young international, chased by Europe’s elite, choosing Anfield because a coach sat him down and showed him a plan. A player who speaks about Osasuna with affection, about his injury with honesty, and about the World Cup with an edge of obsession.
Iraola has his first signing. Now the question is simple: when Munoz finally shakes off this injury, how quickly can that shared vision explode into life in red?
