On the surface level, new Liverpool winger Victor Munoz’s numbers are not that impressive.
He only scored six times for Osasuna in La Liga last season, assisting two goals besides. The 22-year-old, formerly of Real Madrid’s academy, spent the 2024/25 term on the fringes in the Spanish capital.
But there is far more to tell of this thrilling young prospect, who has earned a place in Spain’s World Cup squad and who has indeed signed for Liverpool in a £34.5m deal, adding pace and physicality down the left wing, with the capacity to feature in central and right-sided roles too.
Newcastle United’s deal was hijacked, and while this eases rumours of a big-money bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola – who also favours the left and would impact Rio Ngumoha in his development, if signed – FSG remain on the hunt for fresh faces this summer.
Liverpool storm into race for Bundesliga midfielder
Yan Diomande is Liverpool’s top transfer target. The 19-year-old would cost a heck of a lot more than Munoz, with RB Leipzig wanting a nine-digit figure for his sale this summer. Liverpool beat Newcastle to the Spaniard’s signature, but for Diomande, FSG are up against Paris Saint-Germain.
The need for a new right winger is great, but so is the need for fresh parts in the middle of the park. Some would say that Liverpool’s stumbling midfield formed the epicentre of their collapse under Arne Slot last season, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister not cutting the mustard.
And according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been in contact with intermediaries over a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who is valued at £52m and is also being chased by Manchester United.
The 25-year-old is open to a change of scenery this summer, and while Liverpool are at the forefront, the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid could yet firm up their own interest, indications suggest that he may be considering a move to the Premier League as a priority.
Why Liverpool have opened talks for Nmecha
Having dazzled during Germany’s thumping 7-1 win over Curacao in their World Cup opener, Nmecha was hailed by his manager, Julian Nagelsmann, for having the quality to become “the best player in the world” in his position, as relayed by journalist Patrick Berger.
His performance against Caribbean Curacao was emphatic, but against Ivory Coast – frankly, stronger opponents – he truly underscored his potential as one of Europe’s leading midfielders, someone who could make a real impact at Liverpool next year.
|
Felix Nmecha vs Curacao |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match Stats |
vs Curacao |
vs Ivory Coast |
|
Minutes played |
73′ |
90′ |
|
Goals |
1 |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
1 |
|
Touches |
55 |
92 |
|
Shots (on target) |
4 (3) |
2 (0) |
|
Accurate passes |
38/40 (95%) |
58/64 (91%) |
|
Chances created |
0 |
2 |
|
Possession lost |
4x |
16x |
|
Succ. dribbles |
0/0 |
0/3 |
|
Ball recoveries |
2 |
6 |
|
Def. contributions |
3 |
11 |
|
Duels won |
6/8 |
10/20 |
Perhaps that’s a little far-fetched, but there’s no question that he is emerging as one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe, someone who could do a job at the heart of Iraola’s new Liverpool system.
It wouldn’t be the first time in recent years that Liverpool would pull off a deal for a robust and all-action Bundesliga midfielder, reaping the benefits of signing Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m over the past year.
Szoboszlai joined in 2023, but he has developed into one of the world’s leading midfielders after two initial seasons of ebb and flow. He was Liverpool’s Player of the Season, out of sight at the front of that race.
Could Nmecha emulate him? Aged 25, he has developed into an all-action midfielder, and his role at the heart of Nagelsmann’s World Cup campaign reflects that.
The 6 foot 3 star’s physical attributes suggest that he could pass a number of early tests in the Premier League, and like Szoboszlai, he also has the flair to dazzle and stand out.
In the Bundesliga, the German has become something of a central focal point for Dortmund, so crisp on the ball and as sound as you like from a defensive standpoint, winning 7.4 duels and 3.6 tackles per game across the 2025/26 campaign, putting him in the top bracket on both counts.
For a player who has previously been likened to former Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, this is quite the impressive array of qualities.
Like Szoboszlai, he brings a bit of everything to the table. He is complete, and he could be a difference-maker for Iraola’s Liverpool next season.
Forget Diomande: Liverpool begin work to sign the next Mane for £60m
Liverpool have lined up a number of alternatives if they fail to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
