Watching Real Madrid make even more history last season as they produced a sensational domestic and European double, Los Blancos will once again be looking to shatter the record books this time around.
Holding off Barcelona’s charge and eventually finishing the 2023/24 campaign with a commanding 10-point buffer over their arch-rivals, all of Spain’s elite will steal centre stage next week.
With Girona springing an almighty upset last season as they secured a first Champions League ticket, La Liga finds its reputation at a red-hot high.
Welcoming a host of European icons this summer, Spain’s golden trio have certainly completed their own big-name arrivals and will be looking for their new superstars to hit the ground running.
Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Much like Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to head over to Saudi Arabia back in the winter of 2022, Kylian Mbappe’s long anticipated move to Real Madrid sent shockwaves through the footballing globe this summer.
With the French icon officially announcing that he would be leaving PSG at the end of his contract prior to this summer’s European Championships, Mbappe has only further underlined his status as one of Europe’s ultimate poster boys.
Handed Real Madrid’s famous number nine shirt during his sensational arrival ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 25-year-old joins a Los Blancos squad that secured a famous double-winning campaign last season.
Forming what looks set to be a blockbuster partnership with England international and Ballon d’Or contender Jude Bellingham, Mbappé is PSG’s record goal scorer, with 256 goals for the Ligue 1 side.
Arriving in the Spanish capital with plenty of pressure on his shoulders as he looks to finally get his hands on a maiden Champions League crown, Mbappe’s move to Madrid could prove to be one of the most famous in the modern era.
Mi nueva casa. ¡Hala Madrid! 🏟️😍😃 @realmadrid pic.twitter.com/2XWvNTgNqQ
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) July 17, 2024
Dani Olmo – Barcelona
Still dealing with some public financial restrictions behind the scenes in Catalonia, much of Barcelona’s focus this summer has been focused around who will be forced out of the Nou Camp exit.
However, enjoying what was an eye-catching summer run under the guidance of new boss Hansi Flick, Barca made quite the statement on Tuesday when they officially announced the arrival of Spanish international Dani Olmo on a six-year deal.
While the 26-year-old might have been heavily linked with a potential move to Premier League giants Manchester City, Barcelona pulled of a real coup as they agreed a £51million deal with RB Leipzig.
Enjoying what was a sensational summer while away with Spain as La Roja were crowned European champions last month, Olmo was joint top-scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals.
Quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s hottest playmaking stars, Flick will be hoping that Olmo can strike up a lethal partnership with Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski this season.
Dani Olmo’s first words as a Barça player 🗣 pic.twitter.com/fOzPjR8M7M
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 9, 2024
Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid
Playing a leading role as Manchester City got their hands on a maiden Champions League title back in the summer of 2023, Julian Alvarez has certainly become a real fan favourite around the Etihad after arriving from River Plate two years ago.
While the Argentina international might not have officially completed his move to Atletico Madrid, the two European giants have agreed on a deal that is made up of an initial £64.4m with a further £17.1m in potential add-ons.
Alvarez’s move to the Spanish capital would be a record sale for Man City, surpassing the £50million Chelsea paid for Raheem Sterling in 2022.
Despite producing 11 Premier League strikes last season and registering a further nine top-flight assists, Alvarez had to largely play a deputy role to striking sensation Erling Haaland.
While Pep Guardiola might have made it abundantly that he is a huge admirer of the 36-cap international, Alvarez was desperate to complete a move to Madrid this summer and will certainly be Atletico’s leading man.
🚨 Atletico Madrid reach total agreement with Manchester City to sign Julian Alvarez. Deal worth up to €95m including add-ons- roughly ~£82m. Club record sale for #MCFC. 24yo has to finalise personal terms prior to completing #Atletico move @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/lnoQZGUDGP
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2024
Endrick – Real Madrid
While Los Blancos might have officially welcomed Mbappe to Madrid this summer as they stole all of Europe’s headlines, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have finally another budding icon to their ranks.
Bursting onto the scene as a 16-year-old sensation with Brazilian giants Palmeiras two years ago, Endrick has now officially joined up with the reigning European champions as Fifa rules prohibiting players under the age of 18 from being transferred abroad.
Although Endrick might struggle to find a regular spot in Ancelotti’s starting XI ahead of Brazilian poster Boy Vinicius Junior this season, the former Everton boss has been filled with praise for the impact that the 10-cap international has made over the summer.
Travelling to the United States with his new teammates last month and making his unofficial Los Blancos debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat against AC Milan, many around the Bernabeu feel that they have another future Ballon d’Or squad in the white half of Madrid.
🙌 @Endrick 🙌#WelcomeEndrick pic.twitter.com/3JwUJen2xO
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 27, 2024
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