Liverpool trigger £34m clause for Munoz as three clubs chase Chiesa in January

Liverpool have completed the signing of Victor Munoz after the Reds activated the FIFA World Cup winner’s £34m release clause with Osasuna, adding the forward to a summer overhaul of their attack. The deal was confirmed as the club prepared for a busy January window, with three Italian clubs already monitoring fellow striker Federico Chiesa.

Munoz’s arrival and the club’s summer strategy

Victor Munoz, a product of the Osasuna system, arrives as part of Liverpool’s effort to bolster their forward line following a summer of multiple new signings. The activation of the release clause demonstrates the Reds’ willingness to invest heavily in proven talent to compete for top‑flight honours.

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s head coach, also secured Bradley Barcola in the closing stages of the window. The France international joins for a fee that could rise to £123m, signalling the club’s ambition to add pace and creativity to the attack alongside Munoz.

Chiesa’s dwindling role and Italian interest

Despite his pedigree, Federico Chiesa has fallen down the pecking order under Iraola, failing to make a single match‑day squad after an injury in a preseason friendly against Como. The 29‑year‑old Italian, under contract until 2028, is reportedly earning around £150k per week, a wage that complicates a move to Serie A.

According to Calciomercato, three Serie A clubs – champions Inter Milan, Lazio and Atalanta – are tracking Chiesa ahead of the January transfer window. The report describes him as a “struggling” Liverpool forward who sees a return to Italy as vital for regaining his place in the national team.

Inter previously pursued Chiesa as an alternative to Luis Henrique during the summer, but the deal collapsed. With younger forwards such as Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas now receiving regular minutes, Chiesa remains distant from the first‑team picture at Liverpool.

The interest from Inter, Lazio and Atalanta adds pressure on the Reds to decide whether to retain Chiesa or allow a winter exit that could benefit both player and club.