La Liga has kicked off again for a new season, and, despite a quieter than usual transfer window for most of the big clubs, it promises to be an intriguing one yet again. A disjointed start to the season – clubs involved in the latter stages of Champions/Europa League got an extra week off – and empty stadia might have tempered the enthusiasm of fans somewhat, but most will be glad to see their clubs back in action over the coming months.
Last year was an interesting season- the big three of Barca, Real and Atleti maintained their hegemony, but spots 4-8 saw some surprises. Athletic Bilbao and Valencia are usually up there with the big three, but neither finished in the European places last season. Villarreal, who were in danger of going down in the 18/19 season, recovered to post an impressive 5th place finish in 19/20.
In light of that, we are going to pose five big questions as fans welcome back Spanish footy.
How will Messi react to THAT transfer saga?
It might have only lasted a few days, but the biggest story of the summer was Lionel Messi’s fallout with Barcelona, and the subsequent u-turn. But how will it affect the Argentine magician? Most would back Messi to shrug it all off and continue setting the standard he always does. Indeed, he remains the odds-on favourite (20/33) to be top scorer. But here’s the rub: If Messi’s powers decline even just by a small amount, that then could spell serious trouble for Barcelona. He has carried the team for quite a few seasons now, especially in Europe, and it’s become more and more apparent that he can’t do it all by himself.
Will Madrid benefit From a quiet summer?
Total outlay on transfers for Real Madrid so far in this transfer window – €0.00. While fans are always hungry for transfer activity, this period of inactivity might actually suit Zinedine Zidane and his team. We say that because, if you remember, the Madrid board was very busy signing cheques in the summer of 2019. Players like Eden Hazard and Rodrygo will benefit from having a full year at the club under their belts, and more transfer upheaval might upset the balance of a team that Zidane seemed to have whipped into shape by the end of last season. Gareth Bale has left the club, and more could be heading for the exit door at the Bernabeu.
Will anyone Make a big transfer splash?
While Madrid have been quiet thus far, it’s worth remembering that the transfer window extends to early October, so there is still time to make a marquee signing. Barcelona have signed Miralem Pjanic for €65m, but you would expect a little more from both clubs given the way they were knocked out of the Champions League in 19/20. Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are the big names fancifully-linked in the tabloids, but Sadio Mane, Paul Pogba or Gini Winjaldum would also cause a stir. All over Europe, though, we have seen muted transfer activity (with a few exceptions like Chelsea), so the smart money says the big teams stick with the hand they’ve been dealt.
Can Sevilla become Spain’s ‘Third Force’?
It really looks like things are on the up for Sevilla. Another Europa League title hit the headlines last month, a fantastic manager in Julen Lopetegui, and smart summer signings like the return of Ivan Rakitic bode well for the club. They finished level on points with Atletico Madrid last season, and we wonder whether one team is in the ascendency and another is, at best, treading water. It would take a lot of effort and smart management for Sevilla to become the main challengers to Real and Barcelona, especially when Atletico have much more muscle in the transfer market. This season could be pivotal, however, and a 4th place finish should be the minimum goal set for Lopetegui’s men.
How Will Granada’s European adventure impact the club?
A seventh-placed finish in La Liga last season secured a first-ever qualification for the Europa League for Granada, with the club doing so in style when hammering Atletic Bilbao 4-0 on the final day of the season. They are 40/1 outsiders to win the tournament, but they are strong enough to go deep into the latter stages. The problem, however, is that distractions in Europe can cost small clubs dearly when stretching thin squads. Granada started the new season as the finished the last – by beating Bilbao. So, there is no reason to worry yet. But when the tournament comes round in October (providing they get through the qualifiers), that fixture list is going to look very congested to Granada boss, Diego Martinez.