Liverpool's move for Victor Munoz is set to catch the eye, with the winger snapped up as part of the plan to replace Mohamed Salah during the summer transfer window
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
04:00, 19 Jun 2026
Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt looks on during the first half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium
Mohamed Salah has left Liverpool after an excellent spell with the club(Image: (Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
Replacing Mohamed Salah is a tough task. 257 goals and 123 assists, along with countless memorable moments, make the Egyptian international one of the all-time greats for Liverpool.
The Reds' recruitment team not only needs to find a way to replace the 34-year-old's output, but also his influence in games, in the locker room, and on the supporters.
There are no ready-made stars who can take on such a mantle, and if they are, then they most likely cost a fortune or already play for one of the biggest teams in the world.
That's where the Liverpool backroom team needs to get creative and show why they have been at the cutting edge of recruitment in recent years. In response, enter Victor Munoz.
Liverpool has triggered the $46 million release clause in the 22-year-old's contract at Osasuna this summer. His arrival was confirmed on Thursday, with a six-year contract signed.
A versatile presence, Munoz can play off the left, the right, and up front if needed. The Spain international may not be the exact successor to Salah's place at Anfield, with talks ongoing to sign Yan Diomande this summer for that position, but he will certainly fill something of a void on the right when needed.
There may be question marks over his end product at such a young age, but the forward will bring a different dynamic to Salah on the right.
Most importantly, Munoz brings energy and pace. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spaniard ranked among the fastest players in La Liga last summer, clocking in at a max speed of roughly 21 miles per hour.
Victor Munoz of CA Osasuna carries the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and Elche CF
Victor Munoz is among the quickest wingers in La Liga for 2025/26(Image: (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images))
It's an area that, for all of Salah's qualities, has been lacking in recent seasons. Liverpool, at its best, has been able to platform the legendary winger, but that has clearly become more of a struggle over the past year.
The inability to stretch defenses and get defenders on the back foot was missing from much of the frontline, not just the Egyptian international. Only Rio Ngumoha can really say he was able to get his opposition full-back back-pedaling.
But Munoz can be the latest to add a different dimension to the attack with raw pace, hard work, and an aggression that has been lacking over the past season.
Article continues below
It'll be some task to live up to expectations at a post-Salah Liverpool, but the team is changing. The Reds don't need another Salah. They need something new.
Under Andoni Iraola, there is an opportunity to bring back a pressing style of play that has already brought so much success to Anfield in recent seasons.
Perhaps Salah's last great contribution was showing Liverpool that it is the way forward. And Munoz is the first step of that next evolution.