Victor Munoz has spoken about Andoni Iraola’s important role in his unexpected move to Liverpool, explaining how the Reds head coach’s input helped shape his decision
19:45, 25 Jun 2026
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 has explained how Andoni Iraola persuaded him to join Liverpool(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Victor Munoz has revealed that a conversation with Andoni Iraola helped convince him to join Liverpool ahead of a move to Newcastle United.
Munoz is set to join Liverpool after the club reportedly hijacked Newcastle’s attempt to sign him from Osasuna. The Reds are understood to have activated his $46 million (€40m) release clause, with the transfer expected to be completed after his involvement with Spain at the World Cup, before he links up with Liverpool’s setup.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Cadena SER following his decision, Munoz explained how Iraola’s influence played a key role in his change of heart, ultimately leading him to opt for a switch to Anfield.
“He transmitted his confidence to me, the way his team plays… he played an important role in my decision,” the Spain international said. “It all happened very quickly.”
The rapid left-winger also revealed that he was attempting to remain fully focused on his World Cup campaign amid the ongoing negotiations. “I’ve been focused on the World Cup. I haven’t wanted to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete” he said.
Munoz has spent the last year at Osasuna, where he played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation on goal difference, contributing seven goals and five assists during the season. Reflecting on his time in Pamplona, he said of the club: “It is an incredible place; I’ll always cherish it. They gave me the best year of my entire football career.”
Munoz was called up to Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad despite having just two senior caps to his name, although the winger is yet to feature in the tournament. A minor muscular issue has ruled him out of Spain’s opening two matches, and he will also miss their final group-stage fixture against Uruguay.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Munoz said that Iraola instilled confidence in him ahead of his quick move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Munoz said: “We were managing it, but I felt some discomfort and we are trying to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. These have been very difficult moments because this is my childhood dream, and seeing it all fall apart because of an injury is incredibly frustrating. It is all I think about (World Cup success). It’s a dream and I want to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
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Fortunately, Munoz is making encouraging progress in his recovery, training individually on Wednesday after initially completing a warm-up session with the rest of the squad.
Shortly after replacing Arne Slot, Iraola reportedly informed Liverpool’s hierarchy that he was a strong admirer of Muñoz and believed the Spaniard would be an ideal fit for his high-intensity, pressing system.
The pair later held an in-depth phone conversation in which Iraola outlined exactly how he planned to use the winger. That discussion is said to have been decisive in convincing Muñoz that a move to Liverpool was the right step, despite interest from clubs including Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United.