What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Arda Güler's highly-touted arrival at Real Madrid to the beginning of pre-season training.
There were many important transfers in Spanish football this past week, with Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and several other clubs completing deals that have excited their fanbases. Here's all you need to know.
LALIGA EA SPORTS and LALIGA HYPERMOTION, the newly named top and second tiers of Spanish football
LALIGA kicked off a new era this past week, with EA SPORTS™ becoming the new strategic partner of Spanish professional football. At a launch ceremony held in Madrid, the new names of the competitions were revealed: the first division will be named LALIGA EA SPORTS and the second division LALIGA HYPERMOTION, both derived from the new title sponsor agreement.
Turkish talent Arda Güler joins Real Madrid
Real Madrid achieved a very exciting acquisition this past week, completing a deal to bring 18-year-old Turkey international Arda Güler to the Bernabéu. The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, enjoyed a super 2022/23 season with Fenerbahçe and was wanted by several of Europe's top clubs, with Los Blancos winning this race to secure his highly coveted signature.
Iñigo Martínez switches from Athletic Club to Barça
FC Barcelona already had one of the very best defensive units in world football on their way to winning the Spanish championship last season, and they've further strengthened their back line by bringing in centre-back Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer. The Spain international leaves Athletic Club after five years in Bilbao and, still only 32 years of age, has a lot to offer Barça.
César Azpilicueta returns to LALIGA EA SPORTS to strengthen Atleti's defence
Atlético de Madrid completed several transfers over the past seven days, with the most eye-catching of all being the operation to bring César Azpilicueta to Spain's capital. The CA Osasuna academy graduate is returning to his home country after 13 years away and will bring versatility and experience to Diego Simeone's back line. Meanwhile, Los Colchoneros also signed Turkish centre-back Caglar Söyüncü and Uruguayan centre-back Santiago Mouriño this week.
Villarreal CF make several intriguing signings
Perhaps the busiest Spanish club of all so far in this transfer window has been Villarreal CF. El Submarino Amarillo have already bought and sold a few players, with five fresh faces having arrived at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Midfielders Ramón Terrats, Denis Suárez and Santi Comesaña have been signed from Girona FC, RC Celta and Rayo Vallecano respectively, while they've also brought in the young FC Barcelona winger Ilias Akhomach and Ben Brereton Díaz, the England-born Chile international forward.
Ayoze Pérez is staying at Real Betis
Ayoze Pérez had a very impactful six months at Real Betis, following his arrival on loan in the winter market of the 2022/23 season, scoring four goals, providing two assists and contributing much more beyond those stats. Given how well he fitted in at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Los Verdiblancos wanted to keep him and this week it was announced that he has penned a contract until 2027.
Girona FC add quality and experience with Daley Blind
Daley Blind will be playing in LALIGA EA SPORTS for the first time in his career in 2023/24, with the experienced Netherlands international having signed for Girona FC this past week. The 33-year-old left-back, who can also play in central defence or defensive midfield, has previously impressed with Ajax, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team and now joins Girona FC, stating that he believes the Catalan club have a very appealing sporting project.
Pepelu moves across the city to join Valencia CF
There was a really interesting cross-city transfer this week, with Pepelu making the switch from Levante UD to Valencia CF. The 24-year-old midfielder was one of the very best players in LALIGA HYPERMOTION last season, as Levante UD came up just short in their bid for promotion. However, Pepelu will return to LALIGA EA SPORTS level in 2023/24, having moved across town to help lead Valencia CF back to the top.
RC Celta start celebrating the club's centenary
RC Celta's centenary is coming up and the Galician club have presented several details of how they're going to celebrate it. There will be a special badge on their shirt for next season, while the club collaborated with Spanish rapper and RC Celta fan, C. Tangana, to produce a centenary anthem that has been very well received.
LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs begin pre-season preparations
Several top-flight clubs have already commenced their pre-season training, while more squads will return from their summer holidays in the coming days. With just over a month to go before the new LALIGA EA SPORTS season begins on August 11th, the coaches are starting to put the players through their paces.
