LaLiga season preview 2024/25 – LaLiga Expert

The 2024/25 season of LaLiga EA Sports sees Real Madrid bidding to defend their title having been boosted by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are likely to be their main challengers with last season’s surprise package Girona having lost a host of star players over the course of the summer.

Our LaLiga season preview takes a dive into how the new campaign is shaping up for all 20 clubs in the Spanish top flight, including the newly promoted trio of Leganes, Real Valladolid and Espanyol.

For each club, we have all the summer transfers (fees according to Transfermarkt) and a predicted best lineup when everyone is fit. Both are accurate at the time of writing (Wednesday 7th August 2024) and may change with plenty more activity likely before the deadline shuts. There’s also a fantasy football star for each team, according to scoring data via Sorare – a fantasy platform and official partner of LaLiga.

Featured image credit: depositphotos.com

LaLiga 2024/25 season preview – Club by club guide

Alaves

Last season: 10th
Coach: Luis Garcia
Title odds: 1000/1
Fantasy star: Antonio Sivera

It was a really solid first season back in the top flight for the Vitoria-based club as Luis Garcia led Alaves to an unexpected top half finish. Loanee Samu Omorodion top scored with eight goals and while only one other player scored more than three, the Basque side were solid defensively and never looked in danger of relegation. A similar performance would be regarded as a real success again this term.

Alaves summer transfers 2024

Players In	Tomas Conechny (€2m), Hugo Novoa (€1.5m), Stoichkov (€1m), Asier Villalibre (€1m), Moussa Diarra (Free), Manu Sanchez (Loan), Luka Romero (Loan)
Players Out	Javi Lopez (€6.5m), Ruben Duarte (€4m), Miguel de la Fuente (€2m), Andoni Gorosabel (Free), Xeber Alkain (Free)

Javi Lopez has moved across the Basque Country to join Real Sociedad while they’ve recouped more than €10m on left-backs alone with Ruben Duarte also departing. Omorodion and Rafa Marin are among the players to have seen their loan spells end. However, Alaves have been busy trying to plug gaps in the squad with Manu Sanchez and Luka Romero arriving on loan while Stoichkov is an exciting addition from Eibar after three successful seasons in the second tier.

Possible Alaves XI: Sivera – Manu Sanchez, Sedlar, Abqar, Tenaglia – Guevara, Blanco – Stoichkov, Guridi, Vicente – Kike Garcia (4-2-3-1)

Alaves are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system again, but the concern may again be where the goals will come from with 34-year-old Kike Garcia and new signing Asier Villalibre the main options up top. The duo scored just five LaLiga goals between them last term while it’s looking as though winger Luis Rioja, Alaves’ second top scorer in the 2023/24 campaign, could also depart with Valencia reportedly keen.

Verdict: Alaves overachieved last season relative to their budget and expectation levels and have lost some important players, so a drop-off is certainly to be expected. They may have just enough to avoid relegation though.

Athletic Club

Last season: 5th
Coach: Ernesto Valverde
Title odds: 33/1
Fantasy star: Nico Williams

Athletic head into the third year of Ernesto Valverde’s third spell at the helm with Europa League football to look forward to and dreams of a hometown final. They do so full of confidence after an impressive campaign that also saw them end a 40-year wait for one of Spain’s big two trophies courtesy of their Copa del Rey win.

Athletic Club summer transfers 2024

Players In	Alvaro Djalo (€15m), Andoni Gorosabel (Free)
Players Out	Unai Nuñez (€7m), Asier Villalibre (€1m), Imanol Garcia de Albeniz (€500k), Dani Garcia (Free), Iker Muniain (Released), Raul Garcia (Retired)

Veterans Iker Muniain and Raul Garcia have both departed which will leave big holes in the dressing room, but Athletic have so far held on to all of their regular starters from the successful 2023/24 campaign. Crucially that includes Euro 2024 star Nico Williams who is being tipped to stay for one more season, despite intense transfer speculation. The Basque giants have made one big signing with Alvaro Djalo joining for €15m from Braga. The 24-year-old could be Nico’s long-term successor on the left flank, but is also capable of operating as a striker.

Possible Athletic Club XI: Simon – Yuri, Vivian, Yeray, De Marcos – Prados, Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Sancet, Iñaki Williams – Guruzeta (4-2-3-1)

It’ll be Julen Agirrezabala in goal for the opening months of the season with Spain number one Unai Simon likely to be out until around the turn of the year following wrist surgery. Agirrezabala is a very capable deputy, having helped guide Athletic to cup glory last term. Otherwise, the Athletic lineup should have a very familiar feel with Gorka Guruzeta leading the line once more following an impressive 14-goal campaign.

Verdict: Assuming they do hold onto Nico and can adjust to the demands of European football, Athletic are well capable of going one better than last season and potentially finishing in the top four.

Atletico Madrid

It was a disappointing 2023/24 season for Los Rojiblancos who lost eight away league games and finished outside the top three for the first time in a full season under Diego Simeone’s guidance. They did end the season reasonably strongly to clinch Champions League football though and some exciting summer business will have Atleti fans looking forward to the new campaign.

Atletico Madrid summer transfers 2024

Players In	Robin Le Normand (€34.5m), Alexander Sorloth (€32m)
Players Out	Alvaro Morata (€13m), Caglar Soyuncu (€8.5m), Gabriel Paulista (Free), Stefan Savic (Free), Saul (Loan), Memphis Depay (Released), Mario Hermoso (Released)

There has been the sense for a number of years now that Atleti’s defence has gradually become their achilles heel. No fewer than four central defenders have departed this summer, with Robin Le Normand arriving from Real Sociedad to help bolster the backline. There has also been major surgery at the other end with Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay leaving, while Alexander Sorloth arrives fresh from the best season of his career at Villarreal. Atleti are also believed to have agreed a massive €95m deal with Man City for Julian Alvarez with the likes of Joao Felix and Samu Omorodion expected to depart.

Possible Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak – Le Normand, Gimenez, Witsel – Lino, De Paul, Koke, Llorente, Molina – Sorloth, Griezmann (3-5-2)

With Conor Gallagher also expected to arrive, there’s still time for plenty to change in terms of Atleti’s best eleven. Alvarez would surely be a starter should he join which could potentially spark a change in formation with Griezmann perhaps operating behind the front two or in a wide role. At the back, Le Normand should slot into the side, while at least one more defensive addition is likely, not least given the continued injury problems for Jose Maria Gimenez.

Verdict: After a bold summer in the transfer market, Atleti should be fresher and stronger next term. They should be closer to Real Madrid, but having finished a huge 19 points behind their city rivals last season, it’s likely to be 2nd or 3rd rather than 1st.

Barcelona

Last season: 2nd
Coach: Hansi Flick
Title odds: 4/1
Fantasy star: Lamine Yamal

After the relative stability of the 2022/23 title winning campaign, FC Barcelona once more turned into something of a soap opera last season. A combination of unconvincing performances and the farcical uncertainty over Xavi’s future provided the backdrop for a trophyless campaign that was played out in front of often sparse crowds at Montjuïc. The 2024/25 season sees Hansi Flick take charge with Barca hoping to return to Camp Nou by the end of this calendar year.

Barcelona summer transfers 2024

Players In	Pau Victor (€2.7m)
Players Out	Chadi Riad (€9m), Marc Guiu (€6m), Estanis Pedrola (€3m), Sergiño Dest (Free), Sergi Roberto (Released), Marcos Alonso (Released), Oriol Romeu (Loan)

Once more hampered by their precarious financial position, Barcelona have not made any major signings yet, although young forward Pau Victor has caught the eye in pre-season after completing a permanent switch from Girona. The club are expected to complete a deal for RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo in the coming hours which will at least give Flick one fresh option.

Possible Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen – Balde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde – De Jong, Gundogan – Olmo*, Pedri, Lamine Yamal – Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)

*Transfer expected to be completed imminently.

With a host of key players yet to properly start pre-season, it’s hard to read too much into Flick’s plans yet. Unless Barca can move a few players on to generate funds to make fresh additions, he’s likely to inherit many of the problems of his predecessor with the absence of a natural holding midfielder still striking. Gavi isn’t due back until at least November, so initially at least, Barca’s starting lineup should be similar to last season. The exceptions are the absence of Joao Cancelo who has returned to Manchester City, while Olmo should feature as either an advanced midfielder, which is his preferred role, or on the left.

Verdict: Flick will likely be frustrated by the lack of activity so far this summer. Unless there are significant developments over the coming weeks, it doesn’t feel like he has the tools at his disposal to seriously challenge Real Madrid for the title.

Celta Vigo

Last season: 13th
Coach: Claudio Giraldez
Title odds: 500/1
Fantasy star: Iago Aspas

Celta’s centenary year did not go to plan with a big-name appointment in the shape of Rafa Benitez failing to deliver anything like the desired results. Benitez left in March having collected just 24 points from his 28 matches. 36-year-old B team boss Claudio Giraldez was promoted to the top job and successfully guided the Galicians to safety, winning five of his 10 matches. He has certainly earned the right to lead Celta into the 2024/25 season.

Celta Vigo summer transfers 2024

Players In	Unai Nuñez (€7m), Borja Iglesias (Loan)
Players Out	Jorgen Strand Larsen (€3m Loan), Julen Lobete (Free), Jose Fontan (Free), Manu Sanchez (Loan), Carles Perez (Loan), Carlos Dotor (Loan), Miguel Rodriguez (Loan), Renato Tapia (Released)

It has been a relatively quiet summer in terms of incomings at Balaidos with Borja Iglesias the only fresh face to date. Unai Nuñez, who had been on loan in Vigo for the past two seasons, has joined permanently. They have been hit by the departure of last season’s top scorer Jorgen Strand Larsen with the 13-goal striker joining Wolves on an initial loan deal that is likely to become a permanent transfer.

Possible Celta Vigo XI: Guaita – Nuñez, Starfelt, Manquillo – Alvarez, Damian Rodriguez, Beltran, Mingueza – Bamba, Aspas – Iglesias (3-4-2-1)

Celta are another side whose squad hasn’t undergone major changes but even under the more successful leadership of Giraldez, a definitive best eleven did not emerge. The main challenge for the Celta boss will be compensating for the loss of Larsen. Betis loanee Iglesias is likely to compete with Tasos Douvikas for one place while Swedish youngster Williot Swedberg will be hoping to forge his way into the team after a bright end to last season.

Verdict: Even without Larsen, Celta should have enough firepower to steer clear of the relegation battle. They may be capable of bettering last season’s 13th place finish but not by much.

Espanyol

Last season: 4th (Segunda Division – promoted via play-offs)
Coach: Manolo Gonzalez
Title odds: 1000/1
Fantasy star: Joan Garcia

Despite sacking two coaches along the way, Espanyol won promotion from the Segunda Division last season with a play-off final win over Real Oviedo. Manolo Gonzalez has lost just one of his 16 matches at the helm but with 9 draws during that period, a strong second tier squad stumbled over the line rather than returned to the top flight in convincing fashion. Survival is likely to be their only serious goal this term.

Espanyol summer transfers 2024

Players In	Alvaro Tejero (Free), Carlos Romero (Loan)
Players Out	Joselu (€1.5m), Oscar Gil (Free), Martin Braithwaite (Free), Keidi Bare (Free), Nico Melamed (Free), Ruben Sanchez (Loan), Victor Ruiz (Released)

Since winning promotion, Espanyol have been rocked by the departure of Martin Braithwaite, last season’s Segunda Division top scorer on 22 goals. They’ll almost certainly sign a striker to fill that gap while two full-backs have already arrived with Alvaro Tejero and Carlos Romero joining the club.

Possible Espanyol XI: Joan Garcia – Olivan, Cabrera, Calero, El Hilali – Lozano, Gragera, Aguado – Pere Milla, Puado, Carreras (4-3-3)

There could still be significant movement in the transfer market, with Alejo Veliz likely to be the next to arrive, so Espanyol’s best eleven may look very different in a few weeks. Play-off hero Javi Puado is likely to be key to their attacking threat while young goalkeeper Joan Garcia is a genuine talent, but there are serious doubts about how competitive this side will be at the highest level.

Verdict: This feels like a much inferior Espanyol side compared to the one that came up in 2021 and indeed the one that was relegated in 2023. An immediate return to the Segunda Division is a distinct possibility.

Getafe

Last season: 12th
Coach: Jose Bordalas
Title odds: 1500/1
Fantasy star: Luis Milla

Pepe Bordalas and Getafe have always felt like the right fit and it was a solid first full season back for the 60-year-old who guided the South Madrid club to a 12th place finish. It might have been even better had they not lost top scorer Borja Mayoral to a season-ending injury in early March. They’d most likely settle for the safety of mid-table again in what will be an eighth straight top flight campaign for Getafe.

Getafe summer transfers 2024

Players In	Jiri Letacek (€2m), Peter (€2m), Diego Rico (€1.5m), Alex Sola (€1m), Chrisantus Uche (€500k), Carles Perez (Loan)
Players Out	Enes Unal (€16.5m), Choco Lozano (€2m), Jaime Mata (Free), Nemanja Maksimovic (Free), Dario Poveda (Free)

A number of additions in the €1-2m range have already been made. None are particularly eye-catching but should add to the depth of a squad that lost its final five matches last term. They look particularly light in attack with Enes Unal completing a permanent switch to Bournemouth while Choco Lozano and Jaime Mata have also departed leaving Borja Mayoral, who has himself been the subject of interest, as the only recognised striker. The loss of long-serving midfielder Nemanja Maksimovic on a free transfer is also a significant blow.

Possible Getafe XI: Soria – Rico, Alderete, Djene, Iglesias – Aleña, Arambarri, Milla, Sola – Mayoral, Perez (4-4-2)

We may see Getafe alternate between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 this season, but either way they need to sign at least one more forward player and potentially several should Mayoral depart. New signings Alex Sola and Carles Perez may end up competing for places on the right flank. There will at least be plenty of continuity in goal and in defence from last season.

Verdict: A lot hinges on whether they can keep hold of Borja Mayoral who scored 36% of his team’s goals last season, despite missing a significant chunk of it. If he leaves, it could be a struggle, but with Bordalas in charge, they should still be tough to beat at home and strong enough at the back to stay up.

Girona

Girona’s stunning 2023/24 campaign was the biggest surprise success story we have seen in LaLiga in many years. Michel did a remarkable job of guiding a talented young team to Champions League qualification in what was only the Catalan club’s fourth ever top flight campaign. Repeating the trick was always going to be tough, but a host of major departures have seriously cooled expectation levels at Montilivi ahead of LaLiga 2024/25.

Girona summer transfers 2024

Players In	Abel Ruiz (€9m), Ladislav Krejci (€8m), Alejandro Frances (€3.5m), Donny van de Beek (€500k), Gabriel Misehouy (Free), Bryan Gil (Loan), Oriol Romeu (Loan)
Players Out	Artem Dovbyk (€30.5m), Aleix Garcia (€18m), Pau Victor (€2.7m), Borja Garcia (Released)

Girona are victims of their own success to a large extent and will be without five of their most important players from last season. Aleix Garcia and Pichichi winner Artem Dovbyk have both been sold while Savio, Eric Garcia and Yan Couto have not returned following loan deals. Forward Abel Ruiz and defenders Ladislav Krejci and Alejandro Frances are their most expensive additions to date while midfielder Donny van de Beek will look to resurrect his career in Catalunya.

Possible Girona XI: Gazzaniga – Miguel Gutierrez, Blind, Krejci, Arnau Martinez – Ivan Martin, Romeu – Bryan Gil, van de Beek, Tsygankov – Abel Ruiz (4-2-3-1)

Girona’s recruitment has frequently been first class but they are going to really need the likes of Abel Ruiz to step up if they’re to compete on the domestic and European front this term. Michel may look to initially keep the same shape to his team with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 set-up. Arnau Martinez should benefit from Yan Couto’s departure at right-back while Krejci and Frances are likely to fight for the right to partner Daley Blind in central defence. Oriol Romeu returns to the club and may get the nod in midfield with Van de Beek and loanee Bryan Gil also likely to be pushing for starting roles.

Verdict: Girona have lost so many good players that it’s impossible to see them being as successful this term. They are likely to make further additions, but may fall just short of European qualification this season, with the demands of Champions League football also likely to take its toll.

Las Palmas

Last season: 16th
Coach: Luis Carrion
Title odds: 1500/1
Fantasy star: Manu Fuster

The 2023/24 season was one of two halves in Gran Canaria with a really impressive start ensuring they’d virtually guaranteed safety by the midway point on their return to the top flight. With time though, Garcia Pimienta’s possession-heavy approach stopped producing results, with an eight-game losing streak ensuring Las Palmas limped to safety with draws in their final three matches. They’ve not won a league game since February and new boss Luis Carrion has a big job on his hands.

Las Palmas summer transfers 2024

Players In	Marvin Park (€2m), Manu Fuster (€1.5m), Jasper Cillessen (€500k), Jaime Mata (Free), Viti Rozada (Free), Dinko Horkas (Free), Ivan Gil (Free), Alex Muñoz (Free), Oli McBurnie (Free), Adnan Januzaj (Loan)
Players Out	Saul Coco (€7.5m), Sergi Cardona (Free), Eric Curbelo (Free), Alvaro Lemos (Free), Aaron Escandell (Free), Nuke Mfulu (Free), Munir (Released), Cristian Herrera (Released)

Las Palmas’ problems have been compounded by the departures of defenders Saul Coco and Sergi Cardona. The arrival of experienced keeper Jasper Cillessen suggests Alvaro Valles, one of LaLiga’s best goalkeepers last term, will soon be on his way too. It’s at the other end of the pitch where they had problems last year though with only 33 goals. Manu Fuster is a lively wide player signed from Albacete who looks capable of making the step up, but there’s not a huge amount else to get Las Palmas fans excited.

Possible Las Palmas XI: Cillessen – Muñoz, Marmol, Alex Suarez, Marvin Park – Kirian, Loiodice – Fuster, Moleiro, Januzaj – Sandro (4-2-3-1)

Fuster should slot in on the left flank while fellow new arrivals Adnan Januzaj, Oli McBurnie and Jaime Mata are also likely to be pushing for starting roles. Carrion, who nearly guided Real Oviedo to promotion last term, will be hoping to get one or two more players through the door though as he aims to construct a team capable of competing in LaLiga.

Verdict: Las Palmas have big problems. There’s not much in the way of an obvious goal threat, and that combined with some key departures at the other end, may see them lose their top flight status in 2025.

Leganes

Last season: 1st (Segunda Division)
Coach: Borja Jimenez
Title odds: 2000/1
Fantasy star: Jorge Saenz

After successive bottom half finishes, Leganes stunned everyone by storming to the top of the Segunda Division in the first half of last season. Despite a few wobbles later in the campaign, they hung on to clinch promotion and top flight football for the first time since 2020. LaLiga action is back at Butarque with their 39-year-old boss Borja Jimenez hoping to steer his side to safety in the knowledge that a season of struggle likely awaits.

Leganes summer transfers 2024

Players In	Miguel de la Fuente (€2m), Juan Cruz (€1m), Enric Franquesa (€90k), Roberto Lopez (Free), Juan Soriano (Free), Valentin Rosier (Free)
Players Out	Diego Conde (€4m), Dani Jimenez (Free), Luis Perea (Free), Sergio Navarro (Free), Jorge Miramon (Free), Allan Nyom (Released), Iker Undabarrena (Released), Francisco Portillo (Released)

Leganes have already been busy this summer with last season’s number one Diego Conde departing for Villarreal. Juan Soriano has arrived from Tenerife as his likely replacement. They’ve snapped up last season’s top scorer Miguel de la Fuente who converts his loan into a permanent switch while Juan Cruz and Enric Franquesa have done likewise. Roberto Lopez could also prove a significant addition on a free transfer from Real Sociedad, but Leganes would surely like to add a bit more top flight experience before the window shuts.

Possible Leganes XI: Soriano – Franquesa, Gonzalez, Saenz, Rosier – Brasanac, Neyou – Raba, Roberto Lopez, Cruz – De la Fuente (4-2-3-1)

De la Fuente should lead the line again for Leganes, although there are doubts about his ability to score goals in the top flight. The priority and potential path to survival is likely to centre around keeping it tight at the other end though. Lega let in just 0.64 goals per game on average last term and they should start with three of their second tier title-winning back four with new signing Valentin Rosier most likely coming in at right-back.

Verdict: A relegation battle looks almost inevitable, but Leganes feel the most stable of the three promoted teams with a bright young coach at the helm. With a couple of smart additions to improve their attacking options over the next fortnight, they might just be okay.

Mallorca

Last season: 15th
Coach: Jagoba Arrasate
Title odds: 1500/1
Fantasy star: Antonio Raillo

Mallorca finished 15th last term under Javier Aguirre, six places lower than in the previous campaign, with an impressive run to the Copa del Rey final the highlight of their season. Aguirre has since departed, with Mallorca pulling off something of a coup by attracting former Osasuna boss Jagoba Arrasate to the club as their new coach.

Mallorca summer transfers 2024

Players In	Johan Mojica (€1.5m), Mateu Morey (Free), Takuma Asano (Free)
Players Out	Predrag Rajkovic (€11m), Amath Ndiaye (€2m), Iddrisu Baba (Free), Matija Nastasic (Released), Jaume Costa (Released)

While it’s all change in the dugout, there hasn’t been a huge amount to rock the boat in terms of playing personnel. First choice keeper Predrag Rajkovic has departed with Mallorca getting good money for the Saudi-bound Serb. However, the presence of Dominik Greif and Leo Roman, who impressed last term on loan at Real Oviedo, means they don’t need to sign another goalkeeper. Some of the Rajkovic money may therefore be available to make more outfield additions.

Possible Mallorca XI: Roman – Mojica, Raillo, Valjent, Maffeo – Mascarell, Samu Costa – Dani Rodriguez, Darder, Asano – Muriqi (4-2-3-1)

Arrasate’s arrival is likely to mean a shift from a back three to a 4-2-3-1 system. That could be good news for Sergi Darder who will be hoping to kick on following a slightly slow start to his career in the Balearic Islands. New signings Johan Mojica and Takuma Asano are also strong candidates for starting roles while Vedat Muriqi should lead the line again. There’s likely to be strong competition between Roman and Greif for the goalkeeper’s jersey.

Verdict: Mallorca have appointed an experienced and very capable coach and look to have a bit more than a lot of the teams that finished around them last term. They could spring something of a surprise by finishing at the bottom end of the top half.

Osasuna

Last season: 11th
Coach: Vicente Moreno
Title odds: 1500/1
Fantasy star: Sergio Herrera

Osasuna haven’t finished lower than 11th since winning promotion to LaLiga in 2019. Last season was only a disappointment when compared to the previous campaign which delivered a cup final and a European place, but there’ll be a degree of trepidation in Pamplona this summer as they head into the post-Arrasate era with Vicente Moreno the new man at the helm.

Osasuna summer transfers 2024

Players In	Abel Bretones (€2.8m)
Players Out	David Garcia (€8.75m)

There has only been one notable departure so far at El Sadar, but it’s a really significant one with key central defender David Garcia leaving his hometown club to join Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan. That has at least generated funds for Osasuna to potentially spend on fresh talent. They’ve made one addition to date, bringing in left-back Abel Bretones from Real Oviedo.

Possible Osasuna XI: Herrera – Bretones, Herrando, Catena, Areso – Moncayola, Torro – Moi Gomez, Aroz, Peña – Budimir (4-2-3-1)

Following an unsuccessful stint at Almeria, Vicente Moreno comes with something of a point to prove and he might be wise to not rip up the Osasuna playbook left by his predecessor. New arrival Bretones will compete with Juan Cruz for a start at left-back while a new central defensive addition is to be expected following the departure of David Garcia. Up top, Ante Budimir will be the chief goal threat again following a 17-goal season, his best ever return in the Spanish top flight.

Verdict: Following in the footsteps of Arrasate is no easy task for the new boss. Unless they can draft in some attacking support for Budimir, Osasuna are likely to go backwards this season, although they should still have enough to avoid a relegation scrap.

Rayo Vallecano

Last season: 17th
Coach: Iñigo Perez
Title odds: 1500/1
Fantasy star: Florian Lejeune

Talking of big shoes to fill, Rayo Vallecano somewhat predictably struggled in their first season after Andoni Iraola. They struggled to convert chances all year and ended in 17th place with only 29 goals, the second worst record in the division. February appointment Iñigo Perez remains at the helm heading into the 2024/25 season, but will quickly find himself under pressure if his team doesn’t start well.

Rayo Vallecano summer transfers 2024

Players In	Pelayo Fernandez (Free), Pedro Diaz (Free), Gerard Gumbau (Loan), Adri Embarba (Loan)
Players Out	Andres Martin (€2m), Radamel Falcao (Free), Stole Dimitrievski (Free), Jose Pozo (Released)

The most significant movement in Vallecas this summer has been the departure of first choice goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski on a free transfer to Valencia. Coming through the door, Pelayo Fernandez and Pedro Diaz, as well as loanees Gerard Gumbau and Adri Embarba, add a bit more depth to the squad which has been an issue in recent years. Of the quartet, Diaz, who joins following the sad demise of Bordeaux, has perhaps the best chance of featuring prominently.

Possible Rayo Vallecano XI: Cardenas – Espino, Mumin, Lejeune, Balliu – Valentin, Unai Lopez – Alvaro Garcia, Trejo, Isi Palazon – Camello (4-2-3-1)

There’s a great deal of continuity for Rayo. Their initial lineup may remain very much as it was last year, potentially featuring the same ten outfielders that started when they clinched safety in May with a 2-1 victory over Granada. As it stands, Dani Cardenas will be the new starting goalkeeper and Rayo must decide whether to bring in a new senior option or stick with youngster Miguel Morro as his deputy.

Verdict: Rayo look to be heading for a similar kind of season unless they can find a striker capable of significantly improving on the miserable combined tally of four goals scored by Sergio Camello and Raul de Tomas last term. They may have just enough to preserve their top flight status, but it could be very tight.

Real Betis

Last season: 7th
Coach: Manuel Pellegrini
Title odds: 66/1
Fantasy star: Isco

For the fourth straight season, Real Betis qualified for Europe, although it was a slightly transitional campaign with a host of players departing and many fresh faces arriving. There was even talk that veteran boss Manuel Pellegrini might move on in the summer, but the Chilean remains to lead Betis into the 2024/25 season when they’ll be targeting a top six finish and a long run in the Conference League.

Real Betis summer transfers 2024

Players In	Marc Roca (€4.5m), Romain Perraud (€3.5m), Diego Llorente (€3.25m), Iker Losada (€1.8m), Adrian (Free), Ricardo Rodriguez (Free)
Players Out	Chadi Riad (€15m*), Abner (€8m), Willian Jose, (€2m), German Pezzella (€4.5m), (Rober (€1.2m), Juan Cruz (€1m), Guido Rodriguez (Free), Juan Miranda (Free), Borja Iglesias (Loan), Claudio Bravo (Released)

*Betis first paid €9m to Barcelona to buy the player following his loan last term.

Chadi Riad, Juan Miranda, German Pezzella and Guido Rodriguez are among a lengthy list of departees as the evolution of this Betis side continues at a pace. The defence will have a very different feel to it this season with Diego Llorente and Ricardo Rodriguez bringing plenty of experience to the backline while left-back Romain Perraud has completed his move from Southampton. Marc Roca has also completed a permanent transfer having spent last season on loan at the Benito Villamarin.

Possible Real Betis XI: Silva – Perraud, Ricardo Rodriguez, Llorente, Sabaly – Roca, Cardoso – Ayoze Perez, Isco, Fornals – Bakambu (4-2-3-1)

The current Betis side is now barely recognisable from the one that ended the 2022/23 season with Isco emerging as their main man following his arrival last summer. Ayoze Perez and Pablo Fornals both impressed last term either side of him while 33-year-old Cedric Bakambu is the most likely starting option up top, although they may yet move for another striker. It’s a relatively old side with a few notable exceptions, including promising midfielder Johnny Cardoso who did well after a January move to the club.

Verdict: Betis look to have recruited quite well and they have the numbers in their squad to cope with their European commitments. They should be around where they’ve been the last four seasons, with an improvement on last term and Europa League qualification an achievable target.

Real Madrid

Last season: 1st
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Title odds: 4/9
Fantasy star: Jude Bellingham

There was nothing stopping Real Madrid last season, as they cruised to the Spanish title, before topping it off with a 15th European crown. With just two defeats in all competitions, the bar has been set very high, but there’s little reason to think Los Blancos won’t be very competitive on all fronts again this term. They remain the team to beat in LaLiga.

Real Madrid summer transfers 2024

Players In	Endrick (€47.5m), Kylian Mbappe (Free)
Players Out	Rafa Marin (€12m), Joselu (€1.5m*), Nacho (Free), Toni Kroos (Retired)

*Real Madrid paid €1.5m to Espanyol to complete the purchase of Joselu before selling him.

After years of speculation and waiting, Kylian Mbappe is finally a Real Madrid player after completing the most expensive, free transfer in football history. Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has also now arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu leaving Carlo Ancelotti with an array of attacking riches heading into their title defence. The most notable departure is a big one though with Toni Kroos’ decision to retire at the very top, leaving big shoes to fill in midfield.

Possible Real Madrid XI: Courtois – Mendy, Militao, Rudiger, Carvajal – Tchouameni, Valverde – Vini Jr, Bellingham, Rodrygo – Mbappe (4-2-3-1)

There are many worse problems than having to find a way to fit a player of Mbappe’s class into a football team, but it’s true that Ancelotti is going to need to juggle quite a lot around to make it work. The most likely solution appears to be a 4-2-3-1 system with Mbappe up top, Vini on the left and Jude Bellingham operating as an advanced midfielder. A more orthodox 4-3-3 could also work and there’s likely to be real competition for the other midfield and attacking places with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler all strong options.

Verdict: Real Madrid were the class act in Spain last season and while there’s no guarantee that Mbappe slots seamlessly into this team, they should be too strong for their domestic rivals once more. Los Blancos ought to make it back-to-back LaLiga titles for the first time in 17 years.

Real Sociedad

Last season: 6th
Coach: Imanol Alguacil
Title odds: 33/1
Fantasy star: Brais Mendez

After a top four finish in 2022/23, Real Sociedad slipped to 6th last term. They scored at least 10 fewer goals than all of the sides that finished above them with their decision not to sign former loanee Alexander Sorloth proving a significant error of judgement. Imanol Alguacil heads into his sixth full season as boss of La Real with hopes of challenging for Champions League qualification again, with Europa League football also to look forward to this term.

Real Sociedad summer transfers 2024

Players In	Luka Sucic (€10m), Sergio Gomez (€9m), Javi Lopez (€6.5m)
Players Out	Robin Le Normand (€35.5m), Diego Rico (€1.5m), Alex Sola (€1m), Roberto Lopez (Free), Martin Merquelanz (Free), Jon Karrikaburu (Loan)

Real Sociedad have sold key centre-back Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid for big money and may soon lose midfielder Mikel Merino to Arsenal. Those would be two big holes to fill and Martin Zubimendi could also be the subject of interest over the coming weeks. They’ve already made three notable additions though. 21-year-old Croat Luka Sucic might be viewed as the replacement for Merino following his €10m switch from RB Salzburg. The versatile Sergio Gomez will be hoping to kick-start his career back in Spain while Javi Lopez has moved across the Basque Country from Alaves and will be hoping to be the starting left-back.

Possible Real Sociedad XI: Remiro – Javi Lopez, Pacheco, Zubeldia, Traore – Sucic, Zubimendi, Brais Mendez – Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Kubo (4-3-3)

It’s unlikely we’ll see anything radically different from Imanol in terms of his approach. Euro 2024 final match winner Mikel Oyarzabal currently looks the most likely forward option, but they could use the potential Merino windfall to fund a move for a new striker with Oyarzabal also capable of operating out wide. In defence, Le Normand’s departure is likely to mean more football for Jon Pacheco, one of a number of talented, homegrown players in this Real Sociedad squad.

Verdict: Should Merino leave, that would be two of the mainstays for La Real during the Imanol era to depart in the same summer. That’d make it tough for the Donostia outfit to kick on this term, but their ability to bring through young talent should ensure they remain around where they finished last season.

Real Valladolid

Last season: 2nd (Segunda Division)
Coach: Paulo Pezzolano
Title odds: 1000/1
Fantasy star: Luis Perez

Like Espanyol, Real Valladolid returned to the top flight at the first attempt, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for coach Paulo Pezzolano who has struggled to win over the Jose Zorrilla. Even after the success of promotion, it feels like the 41-year-old needs a bright start to the new campaign at a club that has either gone up or gone down in each of the last four seasons.

Real Valladolid summer transfers 2024

Players In	Stipe Biuk (€4m), Victor Meseguer (€3m), Raul Moro (€2.5m), Amath Ndiaye (€2m), Stanko Juric (€1.5m), Andre Ferreira (€1m), Eray Comert (Loan)
Players Out	Monchu (€3.6m), Sergio Escudero (Free), Jordi Masip (Released), Alvaro Negredo (Released)

The club owned by former Real Madrid and Brazil legend Ronaldo haven’t always spent big in the transfer market which has contributed to their yo-yo status, but they’ve been pretty active this summer. They’ve paid out around €14m on new signings, although all six of those players were at the club on loan last term so the only new face in the dressing room is Valencia loanee Eray Comert. Fresh recruits may still be needed given Monchu, Sergio Escudero and Jordi Masip have departed, three of the five players to clock up the most minutes for Pucela in the Segunda Division last term.

Possible Real Valladolid XI: Ferreira – Rosa, Javi Sanchez, Boyomo, Luis Perez – Kike Garcia, Comert, Amallah – Moro, Sylla, Amath (4-3-3)

It’s likely that Real Valladolid may still look to the loan market late in the window to improve this team. They are boosted by the return of Selim Amallah and Kike Garcia from top flight loans last season and while neither player exactly lit up LaLiga, they could see more game-time back at their parent club. A new striker may be a top priority with Mamadou Sylla top scoring in the Segunda Division last term with just eight goals.

Verdict: Despite promotion, Pezzolano’s reign still feels far more likely to end in tears than in some kind of grand reconciliation with the Real Valladolid fanbase. This is likely to be a tough season at the Jose Zorrilla and while they may not be the very worst team in the league, they could well be one of the bottom three come May.

Sevilla

Last season: 14th
Coach: Garcia Pimienta
Title odds: 250/1
Fantasy star: Loic Bade

Sevilla have turned from one of Spain’s best run operations, into something of a crisis club over the past couple of years. They’ve made yet another coaching change this summer with Garcia Pimienta replacing Quique Sanchez Flores who steered the Andalusians to a 14th place finish. He’s the fifth man to take charge of the club since Julen Lopetegui left in October 2022.

Sevilla summer transfers 2024

Players In	Peque Fernandez (€4m), Lucien Agoume (€4m), Chidera Ejuke (Free), Kelechi Iheanacho (Free), Albert Sambi Lokonga (Loan), Saul (Loan)
Players Out	Youssef En-Nesyri (€19.5m), Luismi Cruz (€300k), Oliver Torres (Free), Erik Lamela (Free), Thomas Delaney (Free), Ludwig Augustinsson (Free), Rafa Mir (Loan), Adnan Januzaj (Loan), Federico Gattoni (Loan), Sergio Ramos (Released), Mariano (Released)

Sevilla will be without Sergio Ramos this term and they have also cashed in on last season’s top scorer Youssef En-Nesyri who has joined Fenerbahce for €19.5m. It remains to be seen how much of that cash will be reinvested in new players, but they have signed two new forwards with Peque Fernandez, second top scorer in last season’s second tier, joining from Racing Santander, while Kelechi Iheanacho arrives from Leicester on a free transfer. Saul Ñiguez is perhaps the most eye-catching arrival with the midfielder hoping to get his career back on track after a tough few years at Atletico Madrid.

Possible Sevilla XI: Nyland – Acuña, Salas, Bade, Navas – Agoume, Lokonga, Saul – Lukebakio, Romero, Ocampos (4-3-3)

The managerial change and departure of Ramos will most likely spark a switch to a back four and a more possession-orientated approach. New signings Saul and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be hoping to start in midfield while there’s plenty of competition in the final third now with Peque, Iheanacho and Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke all capable of forcing their way into this lineup.

Verdict: Pimienta’s patient approach isn’t to everyone’s taste and it’s questionable whether he really has the personnel to implement it. An already restless Ramon Sanchez–Pizjuan could turn quickly if initial results aren’t positive and another bottom half finish looks likely.

Valencia

Last season: 9th
Coach: Ruben Baraja
Title odds: 250/1
Fantasy star: Pepelu

Ruben Baraja has done a really solid job at Valencia, guiding his former club to survival in 2023 and a top half finish last term. Los Che did fade badly out of European contention at the back end of the 2023/24 campaign though, taking just two points from their final seven fixtures. They head into the new season amidst the familiar backdrop of discontent at the ownership of Peter Lim who has now been at the helm for a full decade.

Valencia summer transfers 2024

Players In	Dani Gomez (€150k Loan), Stole Dimitrievski (Free), Rafa Mir (Loan)
Players Out	Eray Comert (Loan), Cristian Rivero (Loan)

It hasn’t been a busy summer at Mestalla with limited movement in the transfer market, but that could soon change with young midfielder Javi Guerra being strongly linked with an exit. The club were also expecting to cash in on goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with former Rayo number one Stole Dimitrievski already in as his expected replacement, but no European club has made a firm move for the Georgian yet.

Possible Valencia XI: Mamardashvili – Gaya, Ozkacar, Mosquera, Correia – Jesus Vazquez, Pepelu, Almeida, Diego Lopez – Mir, Duro (4-4-2)

Valencia are strong in midfield with Pepelu and Andre Almeida likely to start in the centre of the pitch should Guerra depart, while Hugo Guillamon is an alternative option. The arrival of Rafa Mir and Dani Gomez points towards a potential 4-4-2 system this term and Baraja may be keen for fresh options to arrive in the wide midfield roles. Valencia may also again look to their B team and youth ranks to bolster the squad with 22-year-old centre-back Cesar Tarrega, one player who could feature prominently after a successful loan in Valladolid.

Verdict: Valencia have a bit more quality than most teams at the bottom end of the division, but there are still doubts about where their goals will come from, with mid-table likely to be as good as it gets.

Villarreal

Last season: 8th
Coach: Marcelino
Title odds: 150/1
Fantasy star: Dani Parejo

After sacking two coaches early in the 2023/24 season, Villarreal made significant strides forwards back under the leadership of Marcelino. They eventually finished just one place outside a European position, despite conceding 65 goals, the third worst defensive record in LaLiga. With no continental distractions and a bit more stability in the dugout, they’ll be hoping to at least climb a couple of places this season.

Villarreal summer transfers 2024

Players In	Willy Kambwala (€10m), Diego Conde (€4m), Sergi Cardona (Free), Nicolas Pepe (Free), Pape Gueye (Free)
Players Out	Alexander Sorloth (€32m), Filip Jorgensen (€24.5m), Ben Brereton Diaz (€8.3m), Jorge Cuenca (€6.7m), Johan Mojica (€1.5m), Alberto Moreno (Free), Jose Luis Morales (Free), Pepe Reina (Free), Aissa Mandi (Free), Bertrand Traore (Free), Etienne Capoue (Released), Francis Coquelin (Released)

Villarreal’s charge up the league in the second half of last season owed a lot to the stunning form of Alexander Sorloth, but the 23-goal striker has since moved to Atletico Madrid. They’ve also got good fees for goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen as well as Ben Brereton Diaz and Jorge Cuenca, so funds should be available to finance fresh additions. 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala has already arrived for €10m while they’ve made good use of the free agent market with Sergi Cardona, Nicolas Pepe and Pape Gueye all coming in.

Possible Villarreal XI: Conde – Cardona, Albiol, Bailly, Foyth – Baena, Parejo, Gueye, Yeremi – Gerard Moreno, Pepe (4-4-2)

After a full pre-season, we may see Villarreal line up in Marcelino’s preferred 4-4-2 formation with a slightly different style of play possible following the departure of Sorloth. Nicolas Pepe and the returning Arnaut Danjuma are options to partner Gerard Moreno in attack while they should be stronger on the right flank if and when they can get both Juan Foyth and Yeremi Pino fit after injury-ravaged 2023/24 campaigns. Fresh additions in goal, central defence and up front are likely before the deadline.

Verdict: Marcelino guided the Yellow Submarine to a top six finish in all three seasons during his first spell at the club and a repeat is very possible this term if their recruitment is smart over the coming weeks.

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