Liverpool: Victor Munoz takes iconic shirt number as squad updates emerge
Munoz assigned No. 23 shirt
Victor Munoz, who joined Liverpool from Osasuna in June, will wear the No. 23 shirt for his debut season. The Spain international reported for pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre earlier this week. Munoz’s shirt number was confirmed on Wednesday by Andoni Iraola’s side.
Munoz is the first player to wear the No. 23 shirt since Luis Diaz during the 2022/23 season. Diaz subsequently switched to the No. 7 shirt for the following campaign. Other players who have worn the No. 23 for the Reds in the Premier League era include Jamie Carragher, who wore it for his 16-year career, and Robbie Fowler, who was the first to use the number for three seasons before changing to No. 9 ahead of the 1996/97 campaign. Emre Can and Xherdan Shaqiri are also among those who have worn the No. 23.
Squad updates and player returns
Munoz is set to link up with the squad over the next few weeks, having been granted additional rest following his commitments at the World Cup, where he reached the final with Spain. He is expected to return to training this week once the Reds arrive in England after their pre-season tour of the USA. Iraola noted that Munoz wanted to return earlier than his allotted three weeks of rest to adapt to his new club and meet his teammates.
Manager Andoni Iraola also provided updates on other key players. Alisson Becker will join the squad from the first day of training in Liverpool, arriving at the AXA Training Centre slightly later than Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk. Alexis Mac Allister, who also played in the World Cup final with Argentina, is expected to return around August 9, coinciding with Liverpool’s pre-season match against Monaco. Iraola mentioned that Mac Allister has earned his holidays after a long season and World Cup.
Transfer market activity and player endorsements
Munoz remains Liverpool’s sole signing so far this year, following his transfer from Osasuna. The club is working in the transfer market, with Iraola aiming to build his squad after the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool is set to face Newcastle in their Premier League opener on August 23.
Former Liverpool player Vladimir Smicer has suggested that Liverpool should consider pursuing Alex Scott, a midfielder from Bournemouth. Smicer highlighted Iraola’s previous experience managing Scott on the South Coast as a potential factor in securing a transfer. Smicer believes that if the price is suitable and Iraola sees an opportunity to strengthen the team, a move for Scott could be beneficial. Scott has been linked with other clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Smicer also discussed the midfield situation, noting that competition is needed. He mentioned that Curtis Jones has been linked with moves, and that Alexis Mac Allister had a season that was not at his usual level. Smicer praised Dominik Szoboszlai as a top performer in midfield for the entire season. Scott, at twenty-two, plays regularly for England youth teams and is considered a good prospect.
Source: clickliverpool.com