**Liverpool are set to land their first signing of the Andoni Iraola era.**
Victor Munoz is on the verge of being unveiled as Mohamed Salah’s direct replacement after Anfield chiefs hijacked Newcastle United’s pursuit of him.
The Osasuna winger is currently at the World Cup with Spain and will finalise a move to the Reds after his release clause of around £35 million was met.
It is the second time Liverpool have gazumped Newcastle to a top transfer target in the past 12 months after [also snaring Hugo Ekitike last summer](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/63311-hugo-ekitike-reveals-close-newcastle-transfer/).
Munoz began his career at Barcelona’s fabled La Masia before switching to Real Madrid and making four senior appearances in the 2024/25 season.
He joined Osasuna last summer and was integral as they narrowly avoided relegation from La Liga with seven goals from 36 games in all competitions.
International recognition followed with a first senior call-up by the European champions in March and scored on his debut in a friendly win over Serbia.
He went on to earn a place in La Roja’s 26-man squad for the World Cup but did not feature in either their warm-up fixtures or opener with Cape Verde.