Liverpool's new manager, Andoni Iraola, has successfully secured his first signing by bringing in Spanish forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna. This move came after a personal phone call from Iraola convinced Munoz to choose Anfield over competing offers from other clubs.

Munoz Joins Liverpool

Victor Munoz, a 22-year-old Spanish international, has signed a six-year contract with Liverpool, marking the beginning of the Iraola era. The club activated the £34.5 million ($46 million) release clause in Munoz's contract, allowing him to join his new teammates in July, pending the approval of a work permit.

Competition from Rival Clubs

Prior to his signing with Liverpool, Newcastle United appeared to be the frontrunners for Munoz's signature. The Premier League club had identified him as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, who is set to join Barcelona, and had engaged in positive discussions with the player's representatives. However, Liverpool's decision to pay the full release clause, unlike Newcastle's attempts to negotiate a lower fee, ultimately secured the deal.

Iraola's involvement was pivotal in the transfer process. He expressed his admiration for Munoz and outlined how the winger would fit into his high-tempo, pressing style during their conversation. This approach mirrors a tactic used by Jurgen Klopp when he first joined Liverpool, helping to persuade Munoz to make the move to Merseyside despite interest from clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United.