Liverpool have agreed the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era after completing a shock transfer hijack for Victor Munoz, according to an overnight bombshell from Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool appear to be placing a large emphasis on strengthening their attacking options following the appointment of Iraola at Anfield earlier this month.

The Reds have been working on a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah, with GIVEMESPORT sources reporting that club chiefs have made progress on the player’s side, and they now believe that the 19-year-old would like to join them.

Agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga outfit for the sensation could be another matter though, with Leipzig ready to demand a fee in excess of £100m for their prized asset, who announced himself on the world stage with a man-of-the-match performance for the Ivory Coast in their opening World Cup group game against Ecuador.

Liverpool have been linked with bringing in a second winger too, with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain one of the names linked, but now they are closing in on a deal to sign Munoz from Osasuna instead.

Romano: Liverpool Hijack Newcastle Deal for Munoz

Vincent West Via Reuters

Reports in recent days had suggested that Newcastle United were closing in on a deal to sign Munoz from Osasuna, but Romano revealed late on Wednesday night that Liverpool have completed a ‘shock’ hijack and activated the player’s €40m release clause in a transfer that has come ‘out of nowhere’.

The Reds have verbally agreed terms with the 22-year-old, who is currently representing Spain at the 2026 World Cup, and he will become the first signing of the Iraola era.

GIVEMESPORT sources revealed that the Spaniard will sign a six-year deal to link up with his compatriot Iraola at Anfield, in the club’s first major summer arrival.

In another detail revealed, Real Madrid will receive half of the €40m fee because of the 50% sell-on clause written into the contract when he joined Osasuna.

Liverpool Working on Midfield Signing

via Reuters

Liverpool are also considering their options in midfield, where Curtis Jones is expected to leave after attracting strong interest from Serie A.

Doubts have also been raised over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, according to GMS sources, meaning there could be a new arrival in the engine room in the coming months.

GMS have revealed that the Reds have a big appreciation for Crystal Palace and England star Adam Wharton, who has just helped the Eagles qualify for the Europa League after winning the Europa Conference League final.

The Merseysiders are one of many top Premier League clubs holding talks over Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi who, like Diomande, announced himself on the world stage at the World Cup by dominating Casemiro and the rest of the Brazilian midfield during Morocco’s 1-1 draw with the South American giants.

Liverpool chiefs must now decide which route they are going to go down, but what is clear is that they are ready to heavily back Iraola in this window after a disappointing season.

Six days on from Mexico’s opening World Cup victory over South Africa, England finally kicked off their tournament with a match against Croatia. It was a thrilling game as Thomas Tuchel’s side came away with a fine 4-2 win.

The Three Lions famously took on and lost to the Croatians in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Out for revenge, Harry Kane was there to deliver it early on. Noni Madueke won a penalty, and the England captain scored from 12 yards – although, having missed his first effort, he was fortunate to get a retake due to encroachment.

Croatia then hit back in the 36th minute, with Martin Baturina blasting home from the edge of the box with a powerful strike. It didn’t take long for Kane to score again, this time heading in a Declan Rice corner to put England ahead. However, before the break, another equaliser came, this time with Petar Musa finishing calmly after a lovely move.

In the second half, Tuchel has clearly got into his men as they came out firing, and scored almost instantly through Jude Bellingham after a powerful run. Bukayo Saka then linked up with fellow substitute Marcus Rashford, who put the cherry on top as he made it 4-2.

Experienced Three Lions Star Struggles vs Croatia

England manager Thomas Tuchel via REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

One of the big calls from Tuchel ahead of the game was to go with John Stones and Ezri Konsa in the middle of defence, with Marc Guehi dropped. This was a bold decision and didn’t really pay off as the backline looked shaky throughout.

Despite the Three Lions carrying a great threat whenever going forward, the Croatians were able to stress the English backline without having to do that much. As such, they scored twice in the first half despite not having as much of the ball.

Notably, Stones looked off it. The Manchester City defender hasn’t been able to stay fit this season, playing just twice in the Premier League in 2026 (making just 19 appearances in all competitions across 2025/26). This may explain why he looked rusty on the day.

Although things settled in the second half, with the opposition unable to break forward as frequently, it was not a convincing display for the centre-back. Stones was then hooked in the 87th minute, with Guehi replacing him.

The 32-year-old picked up a poor 6.4 SofaScore rating, having been dribbled past once, giving away one foul, and only managing two defensive contributions.

England Fans Slam John Stones

England’s Ezri Konsa and John Stones via Reuters/Maria Lysaker

Despite the win, some England fans seemed worried by Stones’ performance, as many suggested he should be dropped if Tuchel’s team are to have a hope of going all the way at the 2026 World Cup. One wrote:

Another suggested: This England defence won’t win a World Cup. Guehi has to be in over Stones going forward.”

One more said: “Stones has been shocking.” While another firmly stated:

On that theme, another wrote: “John Stones has been a top defender in his time but its been evident for at least a couple of seasons now that he is well past his best. I can see him getting dropped for Guehi in the next game, if Tuchel has any sense, at least.”

A final fan summed up the sentiment, writing: “England’s defence looks disorganised. They conceded two goals far too easily. I do not understand why John Stones was preferred ahead of Maguire and other available options.”

It was a perfect first outing at the 2026 World Cup for England as they beat Croatia 4-2. They’d had to wait six days after the tournament began, but the Group L clash lived up to expectations.

Harry Kane opened the scoring from 12 yards, getting to retake his initially missed penalty, but saw his team pegged back thanks to a fine strike from Martin Baturina in the 36th minute. The England captain hit back with a header from a corner before the break, but there was still time for Petar Musa to make it 2-2 before the half-time whistle blew.

In the second half, the Three Lions really took control of the game, keeping Croatia at arm’s length throughout. They were helped by Jude Bellingham’s effort just two minutes after play resumed, while Marcus Rashford made it 4-2 late on to seal what was an impressive performance for the most part.

One man in particular stood out and has picked up plenty of praise from the England fans.

Three Lions Star Delivers Goods at World Cup

Jim Rassol via Reuters

Before the game, there would have been many disappointed to see Arsenal star Bukayo Saka start. However, Tuchel has revealed that the winger is nursing an Achilles injury, so he won’t be fully fit at the start of the World Cup.

As such, Noni Madueke was given the nod. The other Arsenal winger is a fine player on his day, but can often frustrate fans. This was evident with the open goal he missed in the pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica. His efforts on that day left many insisting he should not start this summer.

Tuchel ignored those pleas and was rewarded with an electric performance. Madueke was arguably the most threatening player on the pitch in the first half as he won a penalty for the Three Lions and consistently wreaked havoc on the left wing.

He finished the game with a 7.6 SofaScore rating, only bettered by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The winger played 72 minutes in total, with two key passes, one big chance created, 0.41 expected assists, and lost the ball just twice with his 26 touches.

England Fans Apologise to Madueke

A number of England fans made it clear they had misjudged Madueke’s quality, as they took to social media to apologise to the winger. One wrote:

Another added: “Madueke I owe you an apology.” One more said:

Others were really impressed, with one remarking: “Madueke has been the best player for England so far in this game and this same guy everyone keeps saying he doesn’t deserve a spot at the World Cup campaign. Let your apology be louder than your disrespect.”

One more summed up the mood, saying: “I keep telling you guys Noni Madueke is an elite winger.”