Iraola hails Victor Munoz as hungry Liverpool signing
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has described new signing Victor Munoz as "very hungry and ambitious," after the Reds secured the Spain forward from Osasuna following his breakthrough 2025-26 La Liga season. The 23-year-old is currently with Spain at the 2026 World Cup and will be a finalist when La Roja face Argentina on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Andoni Iraola says Victor Munoz arrives hungry, ambitious, humble, and ready to work.
- Liverpool signed the 23-year-old from Osasuna after a strong 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
- Munoz posted seven goals and five assists in 34 games and earned a first Spain World Cup call-up.
- A reported €40m deal makes him an early piece of Iraola's post-Salah project at Anfield.
- He has yet to play at the tournament and could debut in Sunday's final against Argentina.
Why did Andoni Iraola praise Victor Munoz?
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Iraola framed the signing as a player still climbing. "With Victor, I think we signed him at a time when he is very hungry, he is ambitious, but he remains humble and knows he has to be very prepared," the manager said.
Iraola also highlighted versatility and work rate. Munoz can play on the right or left and, in the coach's view, has the intensity Liverpool will need. "I am very keen to have him here, although we know we will have to wait with him and Macca," he added, referring to Alexis Mac Allister, who is also away at the World Cup.
How did Victor Munoz earn his Liverpool move?
According to SPORT, Munoz's season at Osasuna turned him into one of La Liga's breakout attackers. In one year he went from seeking minutes away from Real Madrid to seven goals and five assists in 34 appearances, using pace, space-running, and one-v-one threat.
That form made him the first Osasuna player called up by Spain for a World Cup while still at the Navarre club. Liverpool moved quickly: SPORT reports a €40 million deal as Iraola builds a side that must adapt after Mohamed Salah. For readers following elite recovery and peak-performance angles, see our Longevity & Biohacking coverage.
What is Victor Munoz waiting for at the World Cup?
Munoz is inside Spain's run to the final, but he has not yet appeared on the pitch. SPORT reports a left soleus muscle injury after a late-April clash with Sevilla delayed his tournament prep and limited his path into Luis de la Fuente's settled wide options.
He did not feature in the semi-final against France despite five substitutions. Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium against Argentina may be his chance to debut — or to become a champion without a minute played. Divinity notes it is also his first senior first-team final of any kind.
Who is Victor Munoz beyond football?
Born in Barcelona on 13 July 2003, Munoz grew up in Turó de la Peira. Divinity reports a working-class path: his father is a hospital orderly, his mother worked as a hairdresser until a hand injury, and his older brother Unai, 28, coaches youth football and keeps him grounded. He has spoken of living a normal life in Pamplona with his partner before the Liverpool move reshapes that routine.