After a much-needed summer pit-stop, play in the Spanish top-tier will resume in August. Here is your La Liga 2021/22 preview.
2021/22 La Liga Expectations
The Clash of the Champions
Expect a fierce retort from Real Madrid and Barcelona to prove a stern test of Atletico Madrid regaining their crown. Real Madrid will look to bounce back in their renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Whilst Barcelona will look to inject fresh impetus and money into the club long-term. This will be thanks to new president Joan Laporta and his vision to bring Barça back to the top table. Those three look set once again to challenge for La Liga.
A Battle for the Champions League: 2021/22 La Liga Preview
The remaining Champions League place should be fought between a well-run Sevilla outfit and a vibrant Villarreal side. The club have improved greatly as last season went on. They are the nearest rivals to the top three teams at this moment in time.
A Fond Farewell?
An emotional moment could come to pass in the form of Real Betis legendary winger Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez. The all-time outfield La Liga appearance holder with over 800 games under his belt could be set for his final bow in Spanish football. The evergreen Joaquín will be 40-years-old when the new season commences. How the joyful joker of the league would enjoy a final bow in front of adoring La Liga fans up and down Spain who are poised to return.
A Fallen Giant to Rise in La Liga?
Valencia will aim to be fighting for European places after a torrid campaign where Los Che finished a lowly 13th position. The Mestalla club are hamstrung by financial and institutional troubles. Therefore a return to Europe might be a forlorn challenge. Stability will be their main aim this time around.
A Return to the Elite
In terms of the new kids on the block, Real Mallorca and Espanyol will both be aiming to make an impression of the likes of Cádiz and Elche as they bounced back from relegation to return to the elite.
A Preview of The Summer Transfer Movements in La Liga
Both the duopoly are braced for substantial changes in the playing staff and possibly the management team too. Therefore, expect to see a flurry of incomings and outgoings this summer.
At Barcelona, will Lionel Messi take the plunge and leave for pastures new? Will Antoine Griezmann be a financial casualty despite his successful season? Reports suggest Sergio Agüero is Barça bound and will prove some much-needed freshness upfront. Barcelona with their financial woes look set to shop in the free transfer market with Agüero allied to potential moves for Lyon maverick Memphis Depay, Liverpool’s midfield dynamo Georginio Wijnaldum and Manchester City’s defender Eric García returning home to Catalonia.
As for Real Madrid, their talisman and captain Sergio Ramos may choose a fresh experience away after 16 years at the club. Also, the likes of Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard are in the shop window. Another burning topic will be Kylian Mbappé. Is he Bernabéu bound post-Euro 2020?
In other transfer news around La Liga, Real Betis face a fight to retain French international Nabil Fekir. Neighbours Sevilla have a similar test batting off interest for their fantastic defensive duo Diego Carlos and Jules Koundé.
Gerard Moreno of Villarreal will be another La Liga player on many a club’s radar. The striker plundered 23 goals last season and will represent Spain this summer at the European Championships. His colleague Pau Torres has been a rock for the Yellow Submarine and is attracting attention from Manchester United.
A bargain buy could prove in the shape of forward Rafa Mir. The Wolverhampton Wanderers marksman was on loan at Huesca last season and banged in 13 goals. It was an impressive total for a relegated club and he will attract a lot of attention this summer.
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