Liverpool: Victor Munoz reveals Andoni Iraola role in shock £34.5m transfer U-turn | OneFootball

The 22-year-old had been tipped to replace Anthony Gordon at Newcastle before Liverpool swoop

Victor Munoz has revealed that a conversation with Andoni Iraola convinced him to join Liverpool instead of Newcastle.

Munoz, last week, became the first Liverpool signing of the summer transfer window after sealing a move from LaLiga side Osasuna in a deal worth a reported £34.5million.

Confirmation of the transfer came as somewhat of a surprise to many, with Newcastle said to have reached an agreement with both the player and Osasuna before being hijacked by their Premier League rivals at the 11th hour.

“It all happened very quickly.”

He transmitted his confidence to me, the way his team plays, he played an important role in my decision

Victor Munoz on Andoni Iraola

Liverpool fans will have to wait a while to see Munoz in action at this summer’s World Cup as a muscular injury has sidelined him so far.

The 22-year-old will miss Spain’s final group game against Uruguay this weekend, but is targeting a return to action in the knockout phase, should the reigning European champions make it that far.

“We were managing the injury, but I felt some discomfort again and we’re trying to restart the process so I can get back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Munoz added.

“These have been very difficult moments because this is a childhood dream and seeing it threatened by an injury is incredibly frustrating.

“It’s the only thing I’m thinking about. It’s a dream and I want to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

New signing: Victor Munoz is the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool

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While the Reds have signed Munoz, it is a deal is not expected to have any impact on signing at least one more forward.

In addition to Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, Liverpool hold a strong interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.

Despite being knocked back in their first attempt to sign the Ivory Coast international with an opening offer of €100m (£86.8m) rejected by Leipzig, reports claim they’re likely to go back in with an improved bid, though the asking price is believed to be £112m.