LaLiga 2024-25 Kick-off: Transfer Sagas & Major Churns

The Premier League isn't the only major European league kick-starting its 2024-25 campaign this weekend, as Spain's LaLiga also joins the action. This year's summer has seen significant shifts in the Spanish top flight, from Kylian Mbappé's anticipated transfer to Real Madrid to transformative changes in Barcelona. Not to forget Atletico Madrid's noteworthy investments in their pursuit to rise to the top.

ESPN's LaLiga reporters delve into major talking points before the curtain-raiser. Top on the list is the question of dominance by Real Madrid, especially with their new addition Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid were league champions last season with a 10-point lead, despite several handicap conditions. With their newly acquired world's deadliest forward, Mbappé, a team of maturing talents – Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Vinícius Júnior, along with rising stars like Arda Güler and young prodigy Endrick, the team is even more formidable. Jude Bellingham, last season’s star player and Antonio Rüdiger, who emerged as the best defender in LaLiga, add to Madrid's robust line-up.

The spotlight also turns towards Barcelona with Hansi Flick at the helm, replacing Xavi Hernández. Flick vowed to retain the iconic style cultivated by Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola but also indicated an impending evolution in the team's gameplay. The shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation in the preseason and a focus on intensifying the team's off-ball tactics hints at Flick's strategy. However, given the recent Joan Gamper Trophy defeat to AS Monaco, the challenges at his new job at Barcelona remain substantial.