Liverpool hijack Premier League rival's transfer for World Cup star to seal Andoni Iraola's first signing

Liverpool have secured their first signing under Andoni Iraola after hijacking a Premier League rival's deal in a move nobody saw coming.

With the World Cup delivering plenty of excitement in North America, it's easy to forget that the transfer window for the Premier League is now open.

While most of the other major European leagues are waiting until July 1 to open the window, the Premier League transfer window opened on June 15, giving clubs in the English top flight plenty of time to negotiate deals.

In the days leading up to the window opening it has been reported that several clubs have already been busy negotiating deals, with Manchester United reportedly securing a £35million deal with Atalanta for Brazil midfielder Ederson.

However, one club that appeared to be quiet going into the transfer window was Liverpool, as the club adjusts to life under new manager Iraola, who replaced former boss Arne Slot at the beginning of June.

But it appears that this has all changed as Liverpool have secured a surprise deal to sign Osasuna forward Víctor Muñoz despite the winger holding advanced talks with Newcastle United in recent days.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool entered negotiations late but have quickly wrapped up a deal and verbally agreed terms with Muñoz.

Liverpool will pay the Spaniard's €40m (£34.5m) release clause, with the deal set to be fully signed in the coming days.

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Muñoz joined Osasuna from Real Madrid in July last year, with the Spanish giants set to receive €20m of the fee Liverpool will pay to sign the exciting 22-year-old.

Real Madrid also included a buy-back clause believed to be for around £30m, but decided not to trigger it before Liverpool made their move.

As per Ben Jacobs, Liverpool's move for Muñoz was pushed by both sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive of football Michael Edwards.

The report also reveals that Muñoz will sign a six-year deal with Liverpool.

Who is Liverpool's new signing Víctor Muñoz?

Currently on international duty with Spain, Muñoz is regarded by many as one of the most exciting young talents at the 2026 World Cup.

It therefore comes as no surprise that the youngster had been linked with several major European clubs in recent weeks, with Newcastle and Barcelona both believed to be eager to secure his signature.

During his breakout season at Osasuna, the 22-year-old picked up six goals and two assists across 34 appearances in all competitions.

Muñoz typically plays on the left wing and therefore could be seen as a young talent to build into a starter in the future on the left of attack, or it could suggest that reports of Cody Gakpo's desire to leave could be true.

For this reason, Newcastle United saw him as a perfect replacement for Anthony Gordon following his move to Newcastle United.

However, the forward has also been used frequently on the right wing, meaning Muñoz could be the Mohamed Salah replacement that Liverpool fans have been waiting for.