Liverpool have secured the signing of Spain winger Víctor Muñoz, marking the first transfer of head coach Andoni Iraola’s tenure. The club agreed to a £34.5 million deal to trigger Muñoz’s release clause from Osasuna, with half of the fee set to go to Real Madrid, which had previously sold the 22-year-old last summer. Muñoz has committed to a six-year contract with Liverpool.

The transfer was completed while Muñoz was with the Spain national team at the World Cup in the United States, where Liverpool officials traveled to conduct the player’s medical. The signing comes amid interest from several clubs, including Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Manchester United, as well as German side Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid themselves. However, Liverpool successfully outbid the competition, with Iraola playing a key role in expediting the deal to strengthen his attacking options.

Muñoz’s arrival is expected to add depth to Liverpool’s forward line, which recently saw the departure of Mo Salah. Additionally, the squad is currently without striker Hugo Ekitike, who is sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

In a related development, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has agreed to join Real Madrid on a four-year contract once his current agreement with Liverpool expires at the end of June. After five years with the club, the 27-year-old center-back will be leaving Anfield following unsuccessful negotiations over a new contract.