Victor Munoz reveals why he chose to join Liverpool and reject Newcastle United | OneFootball

Victor Munoz Reveals Iraola Role in Liverpool Transfer Decision

Munoz Makes Anfield Move

Victor Munoz’s move to Liverpool already carries the feel of a transfer shaped by timing, conviction and opportunity. The Spain forward had looked destined for Newcastle United, only for Liverpool to step in decisively and trigger his £34.5million release clause at Osasuna.

For Liverpool, this was not a slow pursuit. It was swift, targeted and rooted in a clear belief that Munoz fits what Andoni Iraola wants to build at Anfield.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Munoz admitted the speed of events was striking. He said: “It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. He (Andoni Iraola) instilled confidence in me, showed me how his team plays.

“He played an important role in my decision. The transfer happened very quickly. I’ve been focused on the World Cup. I haven’t wanted to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete.”

Iraola Influence Matters

That line about Iraola feels significant. Liverpool’s recruitment under a new head coach cannot be separated from the football he wants to play. Munoz is versatile, direct and productive, having registered seven goals and five assists last season for an Osasuna side that only avoided relegation on goal difference.

Photo: IMAGO

Those numbers may not look spectacular in isolation, but context matters. In a struggling side, Munoz still found ways to affect matches. Liverpool will hope that, in a more dominant team, with better structure around him, those contributions can rise sharply.

His comments suggest Iraola did more than simply approve the signing. He sold the idea. He explained the football. He gave Munoz clarity.

World Cup Frustration

For now, Liverpool fans must wait to see their new signing properly unveiled. Munoz is currently with Spain at the World Cup, although injury has delayed his involvement.

A minor muscular issue ruled him out of Spain’s first two group matches, and he will also miss the final group game against Uruguay.

Munoz said: “We were managing it, but I felt some discomfort and we are trying to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

“These have been very difficult moments because this is my childhood dream, and seeing it all fall apart because of an injury is incredibly frustrating. It is all I think about (World Cup success). It’s a dream and I want to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Liverpool Await Next Step

Munoz trained individually on Wednesday after completing the warm-up with the Spain squad, which points to gradual progress rather than immediate availability.

Liverpool will be cautious. The excitement around Munoz is understandable, especially after the club moved so aggressively to beat Newcastle to his signature. Yet the priority now is simple, recovery first, integration second.

For Munoz, this is the start of a major career shift. For Liverpool, it is another sign that Iraola’s influence is already reaching beyond tactics and into recruitment. That may prove just as important as anything he does on the training pitch.