Liverpool has announced the signing of Victor Munoz, a winger from Osasuna, and informed RB Leipzig that they will offer around 100 million euros (£86 million) for Yan Diomande.
The club confirmed they activated Munoz’s release clause, amounting to 40 million euros (£34.5 million).
As a member of Spain’s World Cup squad, preparations have been set for Liverpool’s medical staff to oversee his examination in the United States this Wednesday.
Diomande is also competing in the World Cup with the Ivory Coast. Despite ongoing interest from PSG, no formal offers have been made, leaving Liverpool in the favorable position to sign the 19-year-old.
However, Leipzig seeks a higher offer than Liverpool is prepared to make, and there is reluctance to let Diomande go in this transfer window.
If Diomande performs well at the tournament, there is a possibility that his value could exceed 130 million euros (£112 million), which may prompt Leipzig to reconsider their stance.
Last season, Diomande recorded 12 goals and 8 assists in the Bundesliga.
Munoz, aged 22, who made his international debut in March, has the versatility to play on both wings and is set to sign a six-year contract with Liverpool, with the fee being paid in two parts.
Newcastle was in advanced negotiations to sign him following the sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool has secured Munoz, who netted 7 goals and made 5 assists in 36 matches last season.
He becomes Liverpool’s first signing following the recent appointment of Andoni Iraola, who took over as head coach earlier this month.
While Newcastle was linked with Munoz, La Liga expert Phil Minshull praised him as “one of the gems of Spanish football” noted for his strong work ethic in both attack and defense.
Munoz, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, later joined Real Madrid, where he made a couple of brief appearances before transferring to Osasuna in July 2025 for 5 million euros.
Madrid retained a 50% sell-on clause for him and had an option to match future offers. They considered bringing him back but were concerned about his playing time under Jose Mourinho.
Barcelona also expressed interest before signing Gordon for over £69 million.
Liverpool outmaneuvers Newcastle for Munoz – analysis
Munoz (right) scored on his debut for Spain [Getty Images]
Last summer, it was Hugo Ekitike who chose Liverpool over Newcastle, shortly before Alexander Isak made a move from St James’ Park to Anfield.
This trend continues with Munoz, as Liverpool has secured him by activating his release clause with Osasuna, maneuvering past interest from both Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, who pursued him but in the end, he opted for Anfield, particularly after Iraola’s appointment, who possesses great familiarity with La Liga.
Munoz’s speed, ability to dismantle defensive setups, and proficiency in the final third were significant factors behind Iraola’s decision to sign him as his first acquisition at Liverpool.
Despite needing to enhance his overall output, Liverpool is optimistic that Munoz will evolve in this area over time. His six-year contract signifies the club’s belief in his potential, especially given his skills in positioning himself in attacking scenarios.
His history with both Barcelona and Real Madrid highlights the level of talent Liverpool is acquiring.
The right-footed Spaniard predominantly plays on the left flank, and with the potential departure of Mohamed Salah, it’s clear that Liverpool needs additional attacking options.
The club is confident that bringing in Munoz, in addition to Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, will provide them with greater flexibility.
They believe Munoz’s arrival will not hinder the playing time of Ngumoha, who recently made his England debut earlier this month.
It’s expected that Munoz will not be the only attacking player Liverpool looks to acquire this summer.
A strong interest remains in Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, who is also participating in the World Cup, and is similarly sought after by Paris St-Germain.
Moreover, there is interest from Italy for Liverpool’s own Federico Chiesa, who is looking for more regular playing time after starting just once in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle’s Painful Reminder – analysis
This situation will resonate painfully with Newcastle fans.
The club faced disappointment last season when they missed out on several primary targets, including Ekitike, who opted for Liverpool.
Parallels can be drawn between that pursuit and this one.
There was evident caution within Newcastle last week despite assurances from Osasuna that a formal bid had not yet been submitted.
Reports indicate that Osasuna only received bids from two clubs – Newcastle and Liverpool – both of which were accepted.
Missing out on Munoz is a significant setback for Newcastle, which had aimed to learn from past transfer window mistakes and secure new signings early.
Though the club will shift focus to other options, Munoz was seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Gordon.
Newcastle is likely to observe from a distance as he begins his journey at Anfield.