Liverpool sign Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna for €40m and step up pursuit of Leipzig's Yan Diomande
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Spain winger Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna in a €40 million deal, while also advancing a package approaching €100m for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as the Andoni Iraola era begins.
Muñoz deal completed
Liverpool confirmed on Thursday the transfer of Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna after triggering the player's €40 million release clause (reported as £34.5m in British media). The 22-year-old winger signed a six-year contract, keeping him at Anfield until 2032, subject to work permit and international clearance. He becomes the first recruit under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who took charge recently and was keen to add his compatriot, according to club sources.
The medical took place on Wednesday in Atlanta, where Muñoz is with Spain's World Cup squad. Liverpool had been monitoring the player for an extensive period and accelerated negotiations after Iraola's appointment. Osasuna confirmed the deal and noted that Real Madrid, which held 50% of the economic rights following last summer's transfer, will receive half of the fee.
- Víctor Muñoz undergoes medical with Liverpool in Atlanta during World Cup duty
- Liverpool announce agreement to sign Muñoz from Osasuna, triggering his €40m release clause
- Transfer subject to work permit and international clearance
Newcastle beaten to the signing
Newcastle United had been the front-runner for Muñoz in recent weeks, with negotiations reportedly at an advanced stage, but Liverpool moved decisively to pay the clause. Fabrizio Romano, who broke the story, described how the Anfield club overtook Newcastle in the final hours. The player was open to joining Newcastle as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who left for Barcelona, yet Liverpool's project under Iraola swayed him.
Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen also showed interest, while both Barcelona and Real Madrid, where Muñoz spent time as a youth player, shortlisted him but opted for other targets. His versatility (able to play on either wing and as a central striker) and pace were key factors for Liverpool, which is prioritising speed in this summer's recruitment strategy.
Diomande pursuit intensifies
Simultaneously, Liverpool are improving their offer for RB Leipzig's Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande, with a willingness to present a package approaching €100m. That represents an increase on an earlier proposal, but Leipzig are reluctant sellers: they want to extend Diomande's contract and would expect a fee in excess of €130m to let him leave.
Paris Saint-Germain remain interested but have not yet bid, waiting on Diomande's preference. Sources indicate Liverpool currently offer better personal terms. The 19-year-old impressed in his World Cup debut against Ecuador on Sunday, capping a season in which he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances as Leipzig finished third.
Liverpool had agreed a deal to recruit Spain international winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna.
A new era at Anfield
Muñoz's arrival is part of a wider reshuffle at Liverpool following the departure of Arne Slot and the appointment of Iraola. The club also confirmed that defender Ibrahima Konaté will join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June, with the Spanish club having already signed Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva under José Mourinho.
Federico Chiesa, a bit-part player under Slot, could fit Iraola's style better but remains eager for more minutes and is open to leaving, according to reports. Muñoz's signing does not affect Chiesa's situation directly. Liverpool continue to evaluate other attacking options, including Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, FC Köln's Said El Mala and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, as they rebuild for the new season.
