New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has done exactly what Jurgen Klopp did after arriving at Anfield
Andoni Iraola in the dugout at Nottingham Forest.
Andoni Iraola has used the same transfer trick deployed by Jurgen Klopp(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has already taken a leaf out of Jurgen Klopp’s book by deploying the same transfer tactic that helped the German land his first signing at Anfield. Spanish international Victor Munoz became the first recruit of the Iraola era last week when he penned a six-year-deal with the Reds.
The 22-year-old forward is set to link up with his new team-mates on Merseyside in July, subject to a work permit, after Liverpool triggered the £34.5 million release clause in his Osasuna contract. For a while, it appeared Premier League rivals Newcastle United were leading the race for the highly-rated youngster, who recorded seven goals and five assists in 36 appearances last season.
The Magpies had identified the tricky speedster as a potential replacement for Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon and were understood to be confident of securing his signature following positive talks with the player’s camp. But Munoz will instead be plying his trade on Merseyside next season after sporting director Richard Hughes swooped in to get a deal over the line.
Crucially, Liverpool agreed to meet the release clause in full – unlike Newcastle, who had hoped to negotiate a lower fee. The role played by Iraola also proved decisive, with the former Bournemouth boss repeating a trick used by Anfield legend Klopp more than a decade ago.
Iraola informed Liverpool’s hierarchy shortly after replacing Arne Slot that he was a huge admirer of Munoz and believed the Spaniard would be an ideal fit for his high-intensity, aggressive style of play. The pair later held a detailed phone conversation during which Iraola outlined exactly how he planned to use the winger.
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 opted to join the Reds after a personal call with new boss Andoni Iraola(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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That call ultimately convinced Munoz that Liverpool was the right destination, despite growing interest from other sides including Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United. The same trick worked wonders for Klopp when he joined the Reds in October 2015.
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Midfielder Marko Grujic became the first signing of the German’s reign after joining in January 2016 from boyhood club Red Star Belgrade in a deal worth £5.1 million. The Serb had attracted interest from a host of top clubs, including Chelsea, Inter, AC Milan and Juventus, but chose Liverpool after Klopp made an unexpected personal call.
“His vision is that I should be something between a No.6 and a No.10, what they call a box-to-box midfielder,” Grujic explained shortly after signing. “My only request was that I didn’t want to be loaned out, I just want to play for Liverpool. But he was very open, told me about how he sees my development. When a coach like that calls you on the phone personally, that’s the greatest privilege. That call really cemented my desire to join Liverpool.”
Klopp and Grujic
Jurgen Klopp did the same with his first signing, Marko Grujic(Image: ( John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
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Unfortunately for him, things did not quite go to plan once he landed on Merseyside, with Grujic making just eight Premier League appearances during a four-year spell with the Reds. He spent three of those seasons out on loan with Cardiff City and Hertha Berlin before joining Portuguese side Porto in a permanent deal in 2020.
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