Liverpool beat Newcastle and Real Madrid interest to sign Victor Muñoz as Mohamed Salah’s successor

Liverpool FC have officially confirmed the signing of Victor Muñoz from Osasuna in a major attacking reinforcement widely viewed as preparation for the expected departure of Mohamed Salah from Anfield.

The Premier League giants announced the deal on Thursday, with the transfer completed pending a work permit and international clearance.

Liverpool Finalise Long-Term Deal

In an official club statement, Liverpool confirmed that Muñoz had signed a long-term contract after successfully completing medical examinations at the Spanish national team headquarters in Tennessee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 22-year-old is currently with Spain at the tournament and will officially join the squad of coach Andoni Iraola once his international duties come to an end.

Liverpool Win Transfer Battle

Before Liverpool completed the move, reports had strongly linked Newcastle United with the striker, with negotiations said to be at an advanced stage.

Newcastle were reportedly close to agreeing a deal worth €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons with Osasuna and the player’s representatives.

However, Liverpool moved decisively by activating the player’s €40 million release clause, securing the signature of one of the breakout stars of last season in Spanish football.

Real Madrid Monitoring Deal Closely

According to Spanish reports, Real Madrid followed the transfer closely due to their financial interest in the player.

The Spanish giants reportedly retained 50 percent of Muñoz’s future sale rights when he left Madrid last summer and also possessed a buy-back clause that they ultimately chose not to activate.

As a result, Real Madrid are expected to receive half of the transfer fee from the completed move.

Rapid Rise After Leaving Madrid

Muñoz joined Osasuna from Real Madrid last summer after progressing through the club’s academy system and making four appearances for the senior team.

His breakthrough campaign quickly elevated his profile, with the forward featuring in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.

His performances also earned him his first senior Spain call-up, and he marked his international debut with a goal against Serbia.

Salah Replacement Era Begins at Anfield

Muñoz now becomes Liverpool’s first attacking signing under Iraola and arrives carrying significant expectations as the club prepares for life after Salah.

The transfer also enters Osasuna’s history books as the club’s most expensive sale ever, while Liverpool hope the young Spaniard can develop into the long-term attacking figure capable of filling the void left by the Egyptian superstar.