Liverpool Sign Victor Munoz: A New Era Begins

Liverpool have their first signing of the 2026/27 season – and their first headache.

Victor Munoz, the highly rated Spain winger, has completed a six-year move to Anfield after sporting director Richard Hughes activated his €40m release clause at Osasuna. The deal, struck swiftly at the insistence of head coach Andoni Iraola, edges Newcastle out of the picture and delivers one of La Liga’s brightest wide talents to the outgoing Premier League champions.

It should have been a clean, celebratory unveiling. Instead, it arrives with a medical bulletin attached.

Liverpool win the race – and pay the price

Munoz, 22, only joined Osasuna in 2025 from Real Madrid, where los Blancos had inserted a buyback clause. They chose not to use it, opening the door for Liverpool to move. The clause has been triggered and will be paid in two instalments, with Real Madrid entitled to half of the proceeds.

Newcastle believed they were close to a deal for the former Barcelona academy player, but Liverpool cut in late and hard. The Merseyside club moved decisively once Iraola gave the green light, continuing a pattern of outmanoeuvring their Premier League rivals in the market.

The formalities were completed in Spain, with Munoz undergoing his medical at Spain’s FIFA World Cup training facilities on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. At that point, the concern was minor: he had reported for international duty with a hamstring problem, but the expectation was that he would recover in time for Spain’s second group game.

Then came the setback.

World Cup blow for Spain’s new Premier League export

Spain opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde and face Saudi Arabia on Sunday. There had been hope that Munoz, a livewire option out wide, would be fit enough to feature.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has now shut that door.

“During the scheduled and individualized recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred that will delay his return to competition,” read a statement, as reported by Marca. “His availability for the upcoming matches will depend on the evolution of his symptoms.”

He is ruled out of Sunday’s fixture against Saudi Arabia on June 21. His involvement deeper into the tournament is now uncertain.

Long term, there is no suggestion that Liverpool’s investment is in danger. Short term, it is exactly the sort of news Hughes and Iraola could have done without.

A familiar, unwelcome theme at Anfield

At Liverpool, the word “injury” has become a grim refrain attached to new arrivals.

Last season, the club’s fresh faces were repeatedly dragged into the treatment room. Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike all suffered long-term issues in their first year at Anfield. Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili also endured spells disrupted by fitness problems.

The hope this summer was simple: a reset. New signings settling quickly, a full pre-season, a clean bill of health, and a smoother integration into Iraola’s high-intensity system.

Instead, barely 24 hours after Munoz’s €40m transfer was completed, the so‑called “curse” has flickered back into life.

Liverpool will trust their medical department. Spain will monitor “the evolution of his symptoms.” The player will focus on recovery rather than the World Cup spotlight he had earned.

When he is fit, Munoz brings speed, directness and a fearlessness that fits the Anfield stage. The question now is not whether he will show it, but how long Liverpool must wait before their new winger can finally stretch his legs in the Premier League.