Liverpool

Prudent Nsengiyumva
Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Victor Munoz doesn't have the headline numbers that grab attention but look a little closer and you can see exactly why Andoni Iraola wants him at Anfield.

In a side that finished 17th in La Liga, he still completed 75 dribbles — the fourth-highest in the division, sitting just behind Real Madrid's superstar Kylian Mbappe and ahead of Nico Williams at Athletic Club.

That's elite company for a 22-year-old Spanish forward who often operates from deeper, ball-carrying pockets.

Where the data really pops is in his ability to move a team up the pitch.

Munoz logged 318 progressive carries, the ninth‑most in La Liga, rubbing shoulders with Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Pedri on a list usually dominated by high‑usage attackers and full‑backs.

For a player in a struggling side, that's a serious indicator of how much responsibility he took on.

The end product is still developing — six goals and two assists across 34 league games — but the underlying profile is what Liverpool are buying into: a press‑resistant carrier who creates momentum, breaks lines off the dribble and consistently gets his team into the final third.

In a squad known for intensity and forward thrust, Munoz looks a natural fit.

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We asked for your views on Victor Munoz after it was revealed Liverpool are set to sign the winger from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.6m) release clause.

Here are some of your comments:

Ian: He looks lively on his YouTube highlights but it depends how he adapts to the Premier League and Andoni Iraola's style of play. Only time will tell.

Luke: I think this is an exciting signing for Liverpool, provided he doesn't take minutes away from Rio Ngumoha. Hopefully with Federico Chiesa and potentially Cody Gakpo leaving, Munoz can share minutes with Rio on the left while Yan Diomande (hopefully) takes over on the right.

Kev: Potentially a good signing, yes, and time will tell. What worries me is how long it will take him to adapt to the Premier League. I'd prefer we went for a winger that's already Premier League ready.

Bolderash: This lad is meant to be the real deal and sadly I haven't seen him play in Spain, so for £40m this could be just a fantastic signing. I love the age too and you can start to see a picture forming with the younger players the club is purchasing! The future is bright.

Nnamugala: Good signing, of course. Works a lot, up and down, offense and defence. Versatility he has makes him so good.

Paul: Speedy, good feet but maybe needs to work on assists. Didn't we have that already in Ben Gannon-Doak?

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Victor Munoz has enjoyed a meteoric rise.

He spent the vast majority of last season playing in the Spanish third tier for Real Madrid's B-side. While he made six substitute appearances for the first team, including four at last summer's Club World Cup, he was offloaded last summer for 6m euros (£5.2m).

But he has quickly impressed with his direct style of play at Osasuna, where the media have dubbed him 'The Red Baron' on account of his ginger hair and dashing style. He completed 75 dribbles in La Liga in his debut season - a figure bettered only by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says Munoz has "fantastic energy" and "lets us change the rhythm of a match".

He marked his national team debut by scoring nine minutes after coming on versus Serbia in March.

The 5ft 7in tall player has registered seven goals and five assists for Osasuna. The club reportedly rejected a €25m (£21.7m) bid from Sunderland for the winger in January, insisting the Black Cats pay his €40m (£34.7m) release clause. Madrid hold 50% of his economic rights plus a buy-back clause.

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Liverpool are set to sign winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.6m) release clause.

Munoz, 22, is part of Spain's World Cup squad - and it is understood that Liverpool have staff in the United States to conduct his medical.

Newcastle were in talks to sign Munoz, after they sold Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, but Liverpool have won the race.

Munoz will become Liverpool's first signing since Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot as head coach earlier this month.

Do you think this is a good potential signing?

When Newcastle were linked with his signing, La Liga expert Phil Minshull told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He is an outstanding young talent. He's one of the pearls of Spanish football.

"He's a very strong, right-footed attacking winger. He can play both sides. He's very robust. Very physical. He challenges defenders.

"One question mark over his technical abilities is his passing as he only got two assists in the whole of last season. But he does take on defenders, and he provides all sorts of challenges for them pulling players in his direction and opening up space for the other forwards.

"He can play either side of the park and that makes him a valuable asset depending on the resources of the rest of the team.

"Also, he's always tracking back and he's a strong tackler so he's supporting the defenders as well. There's no question marks over his work rate."

Last summer, it was Hugo Ekitike who chose Liverpool over Newcastle before Alexander Isak forced a move from Newcastle to Liverpool.

The tale of Victor Munoz follows a similar pattern, with Liverpool hijacking Newcastle's move by triggering his release clause with Osasuna.

Interest also came from Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen but ultimately, Munoz chose Anfield, with the deal accelerating following the appointment of Iraola, who has extensive knowledge of La Liga.

Munoz's pace, his role in breaking down low blocks, as well as his ability to deal with the ball in the final third, all played a part in Iraola's push to make him the first signing of his tenure at Anfield.

There is a belief that Munoz's overall output must improve but Liverpool believe that will come over time, with a six-year-deal proof of that, and are encouraged by the fact that they have secured a player who can get himself into dangerous positions.

The fact that he previously spent time at Barcelona and Real Madrid is indication of his potential.

The right-footed Spaniard mainly plays off the left and with Mohamed Salah leaving, the need for attacking reinforcements is clear.

Liverpool are confident that having Munoz, alongside Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, will add to the versatility they have and believe that his arrival will not affect playing time for 17-year-old Ngumoha, who made his England debut earlier this month.

The understanding is that Munoz will not be the only attacking signing Liverpool make this summer. There remains a strong interest in Yan Diomande, who plays for RB Leipzig and is at the World Cup with Ivory Coast. Diomande, 19, is also admired by Paris St-Germain.

Meanwhile, there is interest from Italy for Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, who wants to play regular football, having made just one Premier League start last seaso

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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It was just under two years ago when Curtis Jones spoke during Liverpool's pre-season tour in the United States about how working with Arne Slot was probably the happiest he had been in terms of a style of play.

That wasn't a dig at Jurgen Klopp, who Jones credited for changing him from a boy to a man, but rather an indication that he preferred playing for a side where the midfielders were the heart of the team.

That 2024-25 season, when Liverpool won the Premier League title, was the campaign where the boy from Toxteth truly took the next step. Yet one year on, the 25-year-old finds himself with a decision to make.

His current Liverpool deal expires next summer and, although he has been in talks over a new contract for several months, an extension is yet to be agreed.

Liverpool certainly do not want to lose the only Scouser in their first team, but if Jones wants out and a suitable offer in the range of £35m is made, the understanding is they will not stand in his way.

The question is whether such a fee will be offered when Jones will be available on a free transfer next summer, and it would be another failure on the club's part if an academy graduate with more than 200 appearances left the same way as Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Inter Milan were interested in January and, earlier this month, their sporting director Pierre Ausilio said: "Curtis Jones - we are paying attention to him. We didn't hide. We understand what the developments will be."

Federico Chiesa went as far as telling La Gazetta that Jones has already asked him what it is like to live in Italy. So the prospect is there, with Jones knowing he would be a key part of the Inter side.

Liverpool must also assess the value that Jones brings to the dressing room, with a number of senior figures already leaving this summer and the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all out of contract next summer.

So perhaps it would make sense for Andoni Iraola to see if there is a future with Jones when pre-season starts next month, before both parties decide on the next step.

Read the full article on what might be next for Jones here

Liverpool are continuing their efforts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Reds' new manager Andoni Iraola having sanctioned a move for the Ivory Coast winger, 19. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood as Liverpool start life under Andoni Iraola, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how the Reds' league fixture list has fallen.

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The Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe says Liverpool re-signing Darwin Nunez "might work" despite sounding "crazy".

The Uruguay striker departed for Al-Hilal for £46m last summer but was left out of the Saudi Pro League side's squad for the second half of the season and is reportedly considering terminating his contract with the club.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to Anfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.

"There's pros and cons to this one," Clubbe told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I do see merit in it. In terms of the work that needs to be done elsewhere in the squad, if you find yourself in a position where you don't have loads of money left in the coffers then he is there, he is available, he knows the Premier League, and knows Liverpool.

"He has spoken about how much me missed the fans and Anfield so there is a definite upside.

"We know what he is, we know what he brings. He's very raw, he's all chaos, he's definitely a willing runner. He needs to be refined a little bit and reigned in a bit at times because he can frustrate the life out of us as fans. But he's free and Liverpool have a lot of money to spend elsewhere anyway.

"As a short-term solution to the Ekitike injury situation, I can see it working as mad as that sounds. I never thought in a million years I would be saying bring back Darwin Nunez but it sounds like it might work."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your views on which Liverpool player needs to have a good World Cup for their country most?

The replies focused on one man and the need to get more from him next season:

Jeremy: Has to be Florian Wirtz. He's so talented and just entering his prime, he needs runners and dribblers around him. His first touch and vision is sublime but it means nothing if he plays in a static 'control / risk-free team.

Ian: I don't think Arne Slot played Florian Wirtz in his favoured position, he obviously prefers playing on the left judging by his performance for Germany. Too many times players are played out of position which doesn't do their confidence any good. If I was a manager joining a new club I would ask every player what their preferred position was and play them there, it makes perfect sense to me.

Dava: I think most of the players at Liverpool will show their true selves under a more dynamic manager in Iraola. Florian Wirtz in a German shirt is a different animal than under Arne Slot. I think unless Cody Gakpo changes his methods he could be for the exit. He has become a one-trick pony and plays the same for the Netherlands. So no real surprises, but I think we will see a different Wirtz next season under new management.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Alexander Isak's record £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle United became a nightmare of lost form and injuries in a disappointing campaign, with the Swede scoring only four goals in 22 appearances.

The 26-year-old striker arrived short of fitness after a period of self-imposed exile on Tyneside, then broke his leg when scoring Liverpool's goal in a 2-1 win at Spurs in December.

Andoni Iraola, therefore, will have been thrilled to see Isak showing scintillating form of old as he was instrumental as Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup opener in Monterrey.

Isak may have been the beneficiary of a goalkeeping error for his first-half goal, but the manner in which he ran at the Tunisia defence then showed the confidence to shoot will surely have heartened Iraola.

He demonstrated strength and awareness to rob Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri and set up a goal for strike partner Viktor Gyokeres in the second half. It made Isak and Gyokeres only the second pair of Sweden team-mates to each record a goal and an assist in a World Cup match since 1966.

Isak looked fit and in form, being named man of the match before going off in the closing seconds - and with fellow Reds striker Hugo Ekitike out until next year with an Achilles tendon injury, Iraola will want Isak in peak condition next season.

Isak was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?

Let us know here

Read more about what Iraola can take from the World Cup so far here

And watch highlights of Isak and Sweden's display below...

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Andoni Iraola's new Liverpool era. This impression was only confirmed by his performance for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas.

The result was a disappointment for Ronald Koeman's side, who lost the lead twice, but Van Dijk was voted player of the match.

Van Dijk, who will be 35 in July, scored a goal and was the main barrier of resistance in a Dutch defence that occasionally looked uncertain.

He put the Netherlands ahead after 51 minutes with a precise header. Then, as Japan pressed late on, it was Van Dijk who almost saw out the win with a succession of towering headers.

Ryan Gravenberch, who Iraola will hope to return to the majestic form he displayed as a holding midfielder when Liverpool won the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season, was solid and created Van Dijk's opening goal with an inviting cross.

In a statistical quirk, Gravenberch's delivery for Van Dijk is only the second World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player, after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England against France in 1966.

Gravenberch also provided the assist for Crysencio Summerville's second goal for the Dutch.

Iraola, however, may have wanted to see more from the third member of Liverpool's Dutch contingent as Cody Gakpo had a subdued match.

Gakpo's game descended into predictability in Liverpool's struggles last season, too often resorting to simply cutting inside, a ploy easily detected by opponents as his form faded.

He fell into similar traps against Japan, although Gakpo's cause was arguably not helped by coach Koeman's selection of Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven at left-back. A central defender by trade, Van de Ven offered little attacking assistance, allowing Japan to crowd Gakpo out.

Gakpo also falls into the category of a player Iraola will hope to revive after a dramatic drop in standards last season.

Read more on what Iraola will be looking for at the World Cup here

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It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick from the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC is launching live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every match wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

• Set up live lock screen match updates by following these simple steps

A new predictor game is being introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The new game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real-time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

The task of filling the huge vacancy left by Mohamed Salah will be right at the top of Andoni Iraola's tasks when he settles behind his desk at Liverpool.

RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande has been the name on the lips of many as the target to take the place of the 'Egyptian king'.

Hs is one of Europe's hottest properties and showed exactly why Liverpool are being heavily touted - along with back-t0-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain - as his next destination with a man-of-the-match performance rich in promise in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

Diomande operated on the right flank in the first half, where he would play if he arrived at Liverpool to fill Salah's old role, then on the left after the break, creating five chances in total.

He troubled Arsenal's Piero Hincapie in the opening 45 minutes with one electrifying run, leaving the Ecuador defender trailing to set up a chance for Nicolas Pepe. Diomande also showed power and sleight of foot to escape when Ecuador doubled up on him in an attempt to snuff out his threat.

Diomande set up a second-half chance when Elye Wahi hit the woodwork, and his positive approach was reflected in 22 passes in the attacking third.

There are, understandably at only 19, elements of rawness and wastefulness about Diomande's game, but there was enough evidence here to see why he will be on Liverpool's radar as they move to strengthen Iraola's new squad.

And given Iraola's track record of moulding younger players at Bournemouth, such as 19-year-old Junior Kroupi and another teenager, Brazil forward Rayan, Diomande looks right up his street.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer amid great fanfare in a then-British record £116m deal - but remained an enigma as he fell far short of expectations.

Liverpool still have huge hopes for a gifted attacking player who has only just turned 23, which means one of Andoni Iraola's main tasks is to find a settled position for the German to release the talent he demonstrated before moving to Anfield.

This is why Iraola will have been intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao in their opening World Cup game.

The context must be that this was against a side ranked 82nd in the world, but in the colours of his country and in favourable conditions, Wirtz showed some golden touches.

In his first campaign at Anfield, Wirtz too often appeared a square peg in a round hole, playing in behind the strikers as well on the flanks, but never flourishing.

In Houston, Wirtz played on the left, perhaps giving Iraola food for thought, especially as Cody Gakpo had a poor season in that position. He created Germany's opening goal for Felix Nmecha with the sort of delicate touch and quick thinking that eluded him for much of last term.

Wirtz had 39 touches in the final third, instrumental as Germany ran riot.

Former England striker Chris Sutton, in Houston for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "The mitigation must be that this was Curacao, but the Liverpool fans who watched the game, especially in the first half, would be wondering if it was the same Florian Wirtz who played for them last season.

"He looked happy in a German jersey, at ease and playing with freedom."

Sutton added: "He was sharp off the left, drifting inside to play quick, incisive passes. He was creative and cunning. He looked unburdened. He was a real menace with Jamal Musiala."

Iraola will hope to lift the weight off Wirtz's shoulders at Liverpool.

Wirtz was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?

Let us know here

Read more on how Iraola can plot Liverpool revival

Liverpool are in negotiations for Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder who helped Morocco to a 1-1 draw with Brazil in his country's opening game of the 2026 World Cup, and who might cost at least £60m. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on who Liverpool should keep, loan or sell.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: Keep - Joe Gomez. He deputises in anywhere across the back line if fit. Loan -Rio Ngumoha. Great talent but needs minutes. Sell - Alexis Mac Allister. Giving away too many frees.

Peter: Keep -Harvey Elliott and work with him to enable him to flourish as a regular starter and show his star quality. Loan -No opinion. Sell - Jeremie Frimpong, unless you can develop him properly.

Ken: Keep - Curtis Jones. He has more in his locker and can be a vital player in midfield. He needs to be trusted and for his contract to be renewed, especially as he's the last remaining Scouser and one of a few homegrown players. Loan - Trey Nyoni. Clearly talented but needs to play regular football at Championship level at least to build on his promise. Sell - CodyGakpo. Was fine as a squad player but his contract renewal and increase in wages last summer was a massive mistake. Arguably was one of the worst performers last season (there were many) and Liverpool need a more consistently elite performer in the attacking position he occupies.

Mark: Keep - Jones. Often better players around but his passion and talent is undeniable. Loan - Ngumoha. Excellent potential but unlike Michael Owen, this teenager hasn't yet converted that spark into goals. Sell - McAllister. He's won everything and there's no desire left in his play. Ageing journeyman.

Richard: Keep - Federico Chiesa, his style of play will suit Andoni Iraola's playing style. Loan - Trey Nyoni. Needs regular competitive football to start fulfilling his potential. Sell - Cody Gakpo. Rio has to be put ahead of him next season and he won't want to stay as back-up.

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Liverpool first-team assistants Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have all followed Arne Slot out of the Anfield exit door.

After starting his role as head coach in June 2024, Slot brought in first assistant coach Hulshoff and lead physical performance coach Peeters.

Both figures played a crucial role in the club's Premier League title-winning season in 2024-25, with Liverpool being crowned champions with four games to spare.

Former Netherlands international Van Bronckhorst arrived at Anfield slightly later on, taking up the role of assistant coach in July 2025.

The trio will now leave their respective roles, as new head coach Andoni Iraola continues to craft his own backroom set-up.

A club statement, external said: "Everybody at Liverpool Football Club thanks Sipke, Ruben and Gio for all their efforts and contributions to the club and wishes them the best for the future."

The third episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on the letter C, specifically legendary goalkeeper Ray Clemence, the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup final and Ian Callaghan.

Clemence was one of the greatest goalkeepers of the post-war generation, with a glittering record of success at Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur that stands as a monument to his talent.

The England goalkeeper was a key component of great Liverpool sides under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley in the 1970s and early '80s that picked up an immense amount of silverware at home and abroad, before he left Anfield to enjoy more success at White Hart Lane.

On Clemence's time at Anfield, BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy said: "I think like a lot of these things when people say who's the best goalkeeper ever for your team, if it's Liverpool, it depends on how old you are and who you've seen. If you're too young to see Ray Clemence, then you'll probably say Alisson. Bruce Grobbelaar was a good goalkeeper and won just about everything with Liverpool, but if you, like me, saw Ray Clemence, I saw the back end of his career at Anfield and he was an outstanding goalkeeper.

"Three European Cups, five league titles, two Uefa Cups, the FA Cup, League Cup, European Super Cup, that is incredible, and he was Liverpool's goalkeeper throughout the 70s, when they dominated football largely in the 80s as well, but certainly in the mid 70s onwards Liverpool were the team.

"He commanded his goalmouth like no one I've ever seen. He was an extension to the old Tommy Lawrence sweeper-keeper idea. But he was a great shot-stopper, made some fantastic saves, made very few mistakes.

"I think the worst mistake he ever made was for England against Scotland at Hampden Park when it just went through his legs. Other than that, you struggle to think of a mistake he made.

"He had such a long career at Liverpool, you think he's left Liverpool, and that's the end of him, but he goes to Tottenham, and he played for years at Tottenham. And he won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1982. It just shows he had a second career with Tottenham and with England; if it hadn't been for Peter Shilton, he probably would've won 200 caps."

Listen to the full conversation above or on BBC Sounds

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