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After spending over €500 million last summer, Liverpool have commenced this summer in the same robust manner now under the management of Andoni Iraola. The club is poised to acquire Spain international Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna for €40 million, according to sources close to ESPN.

Muñoz, 22, is part of the Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup and previously trained with the academies of both Barcelona and Real Madrid. He was on the verge of transferring to Newcastle United when his deal fell through at the last moment.

With the Reds in search of a replacement for Mohamed Salah, in addition to providing cover for the injured Hugo Ekitike, the club’s wing options are limited, especially with Italy‘s Federico Chiesa likely to leave.

ESPN sources indicate that Liverpool are also interested in RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande and Paris Saint-Germain‘s Bradley Barcola, but they have acted swiftly to secure Muñoz. What does he bring to the table, and why is this signing occurring now?

A New Era for Liverpool

Having relied on Salah to lead their attack for nearly a decade, Liverpool finds itself in a transitional phase following his departure on a free transfer this summer. Strengthening the attacking front was a primary goal, allowing new head coach Iraola to implement the energetic style of football that characterized his tenure at Bournemouth — a style that faded during the latter months of Arne Slot’s management. The acquisition of Muñoz represents an initial step in revitalizing that attack.

The push for this transfer comes directly from Iraola as he evaluates his new squad. Although Muñoz is only 22 years old, his time at both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s academies before joining Osasuna for €5 million last summer speaks volumes. Last season, he registered seven goals in La Liga, showcasing potential despite statistics that may not seem dazzling at first glance. He possesses several traits that appeal to Liverpool’s decision-makers, as Sam will delve into further.

Furthermore, Muñoz’s age means his prime years are ahead of him, and Iraola’s history of nurturing young attacking talent during his time at Bournemouth was a compelling factor for Liverpool’s management. The club hopes to transform him into a star once again.

Muñoz brings much-needed speed to the flanks — a quality Liverpool severely lacked last season — along with the versatility to play in various forward positions. This adaptability will be crucial as Ekitike is anticipated to miss significant game time during the upcoming season as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles.

Already a full-fledged Spanish international, securing a player of Muñoz’s caliber at a relatively modest price is expected to be a significant gain for Liverpool given the scarcity of wide forwards in the current market. — Lindop

What Will He Bring to Liverpool?

Muñoz fits the profile that Liverpool desperately needs. Since parting ways with Sadio Mané, Luis Díaz, and now Salah, the team has focused on players who thrive in central roles. Muñoz provides width and explosiveness, along with the ability to take on defenders, creating opportunities when other options have faltered. The crucial question remains — can he elevate his game to the next level?

Although he spent just one season at Osasuna, he made a significant impression. Transitioning from both Barcelona and Real Madrid youth setups, Muñoz approached his time with Osasuna without entitlement, quickly embracing the team’s ethos and winning over supporters with his dedication.

Despite his smaller stature (5-foot-7), Muñoz is robust and adept at using his body to retain possession. His low center of gravity makes him difficult to dispossess. Former Madrid teammate Dani Carvajal can attest to that — even he struggled to reclaim the ball from Muñoz during their recent matchup. Muñoz even managed to leap over the imposing Villarreal defender Rafa Marín to net one of his six La Liga goals last season.

Typically playing on the left, Muñoz can also adapt to the right flank or a central position. His remarkable pace enables him to evade defenders, as reflected in his speed: he clocked the third-fastest time in La Liga this season at 35.46 km/h, surpassing even Kylian Mbappé (35.24 km/h) and Lamine Yamal (33.55 km/h).

These attributes positioned him as a key player for Osasuna, who narrowly avoided relegation last season. Only Yamal (285) and Vinícius Júnior (241) attempted more take-ons than Muñoz’s 215 efforts last season, which illustrates his inclination to challenge defenders.

The next step for Muñoz is to harness those qualities for consistent performance in the final third. Although he delivered 103 crosses (fifth in La Liga) and created 27 chances (ranked 77th in La Liga), he ended with just two assists. Liverpool’s more attacking style and title ambitions will heighten the demands on him.

Early signs suggest he is poised for advancement. Embracing the presence of superior players at Anfield and showcasing his capabilities with a goal in his debut for Spain this past March indicate he is on the right track. Had it not been for an unfortunate injury late in the season, he likely would have started Spain’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde alongside Yamal, with Nico Williams not completely fit.

His inclusion in the World Cup squad alone demonstrates the high regard in which he is held by Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente. It would have been understandable — perhaps even wiser — to choose a player who was match-ready, given the fitness concerns regarding Yamal and Williams. Nonetheless, de la Fuente, like Liverpool, sees potential in Muñoz. — Marsden