Liverpool has its first signing of the Andoni Iraola era, which should be a boost for Florian Wirtz, but it might not be such good news for some of his other teammates
04:00, 20 Jun 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Florian Wirtz of Germany during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Liverpool's latest transfer business should come as a boost to Florian Wirtz(Image: Getty Images)
Victor Munoz’s signing took everyone by surprise this week, with even Liverpool itself seemingly not lining itself up for any immediate transfer activity.
Earlier in the week, all the noise coming out of Anfield was that fans might have to stay patient for new signings, with the World Cup and Andoni Iraola’s desire to assess his new squad potentially delaying any business. Just 24 hours later, the Reds’ new boss had his first new arrival.
Munoz’s signing is the sort of opportunistic deal that sporting director Richard Hughes had discussed upon his arrival two years ago, having hijacked Newcastle’s attempts to sign him - and almost certainly souring the relationship even further between the two clubs after the Alexander Isak saga.
Without wanting to jinx him before he’s even kicked a ball for his new club though, it feels like the ideal signing for Liverpool right now. A new right winger is the priority, and the pursuit of Yan Diomande continues on that front, but signing just one new forward never really felt as though it would be enough.
Getting a player in then that can not only play on the opposite flank, but can cover all of the positions in the front three, is just what was needed, especially with Hugo Ekitike out injured for at least the first half of next season - and it’s all been done without eating too much into the summer budget.
What’s more, it’s exactly what Florian Wirtz needed. One of Liverpool’s two marquee signings from last summer, it would be fair to say the German star hasn’t yet found his feet in the Premier League.
A CORUNA, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Victor Munoz of Spain looks on during the international friendly match between Spain and Iraq at Abanca Balaidos stadium on June 04, 2026, in A Coruna, Spain. (Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Victor Munoz's arrival should be good news for Florian Wirtz(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
His cause wasn’t helped by a degree of uncertainty around where he should actually play last season. The No.10 role seemed to have been earmarked especially for him, yet some of his better performances came when he was played out on the left.
With Munoz coming through the door, that should offer some much-needed clarity. Wirtz will surely stick to that role just in behind the striker now, becoming the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, which everyone hoped he would be.
But while Munoz’s arrival should be warmly greeted by Wirtz, it may not come as good news to some of his other teammates.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
Cody Gakpo seems like the most obvious player affected. The criticism that greeted the Dutch international last season was too much at times, and it did seem disproportionate when so few Liverpool players were actually performing well.
His place in the side does look under major threat though. Rio Ngumoha was already making the left wing his own by the end of the season, and with Munoz now added to the mix, you’d have to wonder what Gakpo makes of the situation now.
Speaking of Ngumoha, the youngster might not be all that thrilled at another left winger arriving at a time when he looks set to kick on in his career.
With international recognition now behind him, the teenager should get more game time next season. Even with Munoz arriving, that should still be possible, but with Europe’s giants already eyeing him up, it might be a difficult balancing act to ensure he gets the opportunities that will keep him happy, and not glancing at opportunities elsewhere.
Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Melwood Training Centre on September 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo may wonder what Munoz's signing will mean for them(Image: Getty Images)
While there should still be plenty of opportunities for Ngumoha, and the door might not necessarily be closed on Gakpo, it does feel like we’re reaching the end of the road for Federico Chiesa.
The Italian is set to speak with Iraola about his future this summer, and perhaps there is still a chance for him to rescue his Liverpool career. As it stands right now though, it’s hard to imagine how he forces himself into the side with one of his options seemingly closed off.
Article continues below
If, as expected, the Reds do land a new right-winger, Chiesa looks as though he might not have any way back. It would come as no surprise if Liverpool entertains offers for him this summer, and as the club looks toward the future, a parting of the ways would surely be viewed as the best option for both parties.