Thursday, September 12, 2024

Who have been La Liga’s most expensive new recruits this summer?

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Watching French superstar Kylian Mbappe complete an earth-shattering move to Real Madrid this summer after leaving PSG on a free transfer, it has been a frantic transfer window from across Spain’s elite.

With Atletico Madrid really breaking the bank over the past month, fellow Spanish giants Barcelona have also found themselves at the heart of a real transition.

With only a week left until the summer transfer window slams shut, many are expecting what could be a frantic end to proceedings as La Liga’s title contenders all look to bolster their squads.

On a list that includes three of Europe’s hottest attacking stars, we have taken a look at who have been La Liga’s most expensive summer recruits.

Julian Alvarez – Manchester City to Atletico Madrid (£81million)

Eventually finishing 19 points adrift of bitter local rivals Los Blancos last season in the race to get their hands on a 12th domestic crown, Atletico Madrid always faced what was a crucial summer behind the scenes at the Metropolitano Stadium.

However, after finally pushing Joao Felix out of the Spanish capital following a £45million permanent deal with Chelsea earlier in the week, Diego Simeone’s men have been heavily active during the summer transfer window.

Although Los Colchoneros might have officially welcomed England international Conor Gallagher to Madrid on Wednesday, it has been Julian Alvarez’s arrival which has stolen plenty of Atletico’s headlines.

With Simeone making it clear that a new striking star is at the top of his summer wishlist following the departure of both Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay, Atletico completed a real scoop last week as they welcomed the Argentinian marksmen to the Metropolitano for a reported fee in the region of £81million.

While Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola might have made it clear that he wanted the ex-River Plate youngster to stay put at the Etihad this summer, Alvarez had made it clear that he no longer wanted to be Erling Haaland’s deputy.

Cementing his spot as a real fan favourite with the Premier League giants after arriving back in January 2022, the striker departs Manchester having scored 36 goals in 106 appearances for City.

Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig to Barcelona (£51million)

Undergoing what has been a real rollercoaster behind the scenes in Catalonia this summer following Xavi’s departure, Barcelona are certainly getting a new era underway at the Nou Camp.

Now under the guidance of former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, there has been plenty of speculation this summer over who the Spanish giants will be on their way out of Barca before the transfer window slams shut next week.

However, although Flick’s side might still be juggling some glaring financial issues, Flick’s side did pull off a real coup as they officially welcomed Dani Olmo to Catalonia earlier in the month.

Enjoying what was a sensational summer as Spain were crowned European champions last month, Olmo played a huge role in La Roja’s success over in Germany and the 26-year-old finds his stock at a red-hot high.

While Barcelona might still be unable to officially register Olmo since his arrival on August 9th, the Spanish international is regarded as one of Europe’s hottest playmaking stars and was joint top-scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals.

Lifting two German Cup with RB Leipzig after joining RB Leipzig back in 2020, Olmo is considered to be a real statement signing for Barca following serious interest from Premier League heavyweights Manchester City over the past couple of months.

Endrick – Palmeiras to Real Madrid (€47.50million)

Completing what was an iconic European and domestic sweep last season, Real Madrid have only further cemented their status as world football’s ultimate poster boy.

Watching the likes of England international and Ballon d’Or contender Jude Bellingham make an immediate impact in the Spanish capital after arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer, Los Blancos have once again enjoyed another sensational transfer window.

While Mbappe’s arrival might have sent shockwaves across the globe, the French skipper is not the only striking superstar that has made the Bernabeu his new home.

Although Endrick might have officially joined Carlo Ancelotti’s side as a 16-year-old sensation back in December 2022, FIFA rules prevent players under the age of 18 years old being transferred abroad, meaning Endrick had to wait until his 18th birthday to arrive in the Spanish capital.

However, now a full international with Brazil and only continuing to shatter a string of records, Endrick has made an immediate impact since getting his Los Blancos career underway this summer.

With many billing Endrick as a real generational talent, Ancelotti has made it clear that the 10-cap international can be a regular part of his first-team plans this season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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