Liverpool fell to Arsenal at Anfield in Sunday’s Premier League game, with Kai Havertz scoring in the 16th minute. As a result, Liverpool have slipped to 5th in the table. The biggest issue was that Liverpool couldn’t get a single shot on target at Arsenal’s goal throughout the match.
Despite spending over £150 million in the summer transfer window, it seems that manager Andoni Iraola still needs to work on the team’s attacking rhythm and setup.
A big part of the news focuses on Víctor Muñoz and Real Madrid transfer rumors. Liverpool triggered a €40 million (£34.5 million) release clause from Osasuna in June 2026 to sign the 23-year-old winger until 2032.
Muñoz came through Real Madrid’s academy, La Fábrica, and had made a place in Spain’s senior team and World Cup squad by scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in 34 games for Osasuna. For Liverpool, he has already scored 2 goals in the Premier League.
According to Spanish journalist José Félix Díaz and Diario Sport, Real Madrid is keeping an eye on their former academy players and is looking at the option of bringing Muñoz back. However, Real Madrid hasn’t made any final decision yet, as the player’s form and confidence can change over time.
Manager Iraola mentioned that Muñoz can play as a right wing, left wing, and even as a right-back, and he has adapted well in the group.
“Once you have a player, you really understand what he gives to the group,” Iraola said. “Attitude-wise, I think he is ready to help in whatever position we need him. He is playing right, left; the other day he played right-back.
“I think he is a player with hunger. He hasn’t played professionally in a big club like Liverpool, but he has been in the academy of Barcelona, has been in the academy of Real Madrid, and has trained with those teams. He knows the level that is required in those teams.
“With the national team, he is having experience,” he added. “So, he is a player that is adapting really well, yes.”
Liverpool is now heading to Istanbul on Wednesday for a Champions League match against Fenerbahce, with interim manager being Liverpool’s former player Dirk Kuyt. By winning this game, Liverpool can take a big step towards the knockout stage.
Future plans will depend on key players’ recovery; Conor Bradley is close to full training, and Hugo Ekitike is targeting a return by the end of the year. For now, Muñoz is fully focused on Liverpool.
It should also be noted that despite the difficulties in the Premier League, Liverpool’s record in the Champions League has been perfect so far. The team has won all three of their matches against Atletico Madrid, LASK, and Villarreal. However, injuries to major players have been a big problem. Important players like Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Hugo Ekitike are injured.
Frimpong suffered a new muscle injury in the opening minutes of the game, and according to manager Iraola, it’s unlikely he’ll return before the international break.
