Liverpool have decided to pay the £34.5 million release clause of Victor Munoz from Osasuna after beating Newcastle United to his signature on Wednesday.
In spite of competition and interest from Newcastle, Manchester United, and Bayer Leverkusen, Munoz committed to Liverpool after extensive and covert work on the Spanish winger. The sum will be paid in two installments, as reported by Sky Sports News.
Real Madrid, his previous team, also considered bringing him back to the Bernabeu, but the 22-year-old’s worries about playing time prevented this from happening. As part of their initial sell-on agreement with Osasuna, they will currently get £17.3 million from the deal. Real also have the option to match Munoz’s next offer.
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Prior to signing Anthony Gordon, Barcelona was also eager, but Real Madrid, who had a matching rights option, would not allow such a move.
Andoni Iraola’s hiring hastened Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Munoz, and the club’s appreciation for a player the new coach is familiar with from his deep understanding of La Liga led to Munoz being brought up in early team planning discussions.
In this regard, their ability to intensify negotiations forcefully and decisively was largely due to their clear alignment over the move with the recruitment department.
Munoz is seen as a versatile attacker who can play both right and left wing. He has played center forward as well.
With Rio Ngumoha, who can play on either flank, and the more seasoned Cody Gakpo, Liverpool already have more choices thanks to this adaptability.
Given their flexibility to switch positions, Munoz’s arrival will not impact Ngumoha’s playing time in addition to providing Iraola with tactical alternatives and increasing competitiveness for spots.
