La Liga season preview 2026/27

Following a golden summer for Spanish football, La Liga returns with the 2026/27 season set for a staggered start in August following the World Cup. With three historic clubs winning promotion, there is plenty to look forward to as Deportivo La Coruña, Malaga and Racing Santander aim to reestablish themselves in the top flight.

There’s also a blast from the past at Real Madrid, where Jose Mourinho is back in the dugout. His task is to deny Hansi Flick and Barcelona a third straight league title.

Below, we’ll run through each club, taking a look at all the summer transfer business (as of 14th August 2026). There’s also a potential best XI for each side, although changes are anticipated before the end of the window.

You can keep tabs on our predicted La Liga lineups and score predictions each week once the action starts.

La Liga 2026/27 season preview – Club-by-club guide

Alaves

• Last season: 14th
• Coach: Quique Sanchez Flores

Quique Sanchez Flores guided Alaves to safety last season, following Chacho Coudet’s exit in March to take charge of River Plate. The Basque club were a more entertaining side to watch following the change, with Toni Martinez’s goals helping them stay afloat. They could well be in the relegation picture again in the 2026/27 season, with survival once more the primary objective.

Alaves summer transfers 2026

Alaves face a rebuilding job in defence following the departures of Victor Parada and Jon Pacheco. Finnish centre-back Ville Koski has converted his loan into a permanent deal, while Nicolas Valentini is another fresh option in that department. They’ve also invested heavily in ex-Celta Vigo winger Miguel Rodriguez, who has spent the last two seasons in the Eredivisie with Utrecht. That move suggests a 4-4-2, rather than a 3-5-2, could be the plan this term.

Possible Alaves XI: Sivera – Jonny, Tenaglia, Valentini, Youssef – Miguel Rodriguez, Blanco, Ibañez, Rebbach – Boye, T. Martinez (4-4-2)

One area of strength for Alaves is the front two. Assuming they both stay put, Martinez and Lucas Boye will be a real handful for opposing defences. They netted 25 goals between them in La Liga 2025/26, which accounted for 57% of their team’s total.

Prediction: 14th – Sanchez Flores may struggle to see out the season, but Alaves have enough up front to stay up again.

Athletic Club

• Last season: 12th
• Coach: Edin Terzic

The last campaign was one to forget for Athletic Club fans and a really disappointing end to Ernesto Valverde’s third stint in charge. Former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic will bring fresh ideas, but much will depend on whether he can keep the likes of Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet fit for the duration of the campaign.

Athletic Club summer transfers 2026

There’s rarely a busy summer at San Mames in terms of incomings and this one has followed the usual pattern of only limited business. With no European football, the squad has been trimmed slightly and cash has been raised by the sales of Unai Gomez to Udinese, and Julen Agirrezabala to Racing Santander. 21-year-old attacking midfielder Peio Canales has returned from a loan spell at Racing, and he’s one young player to keep an eye on this term in La Liga.

Possible Athletic Club XI: Simon – Areso, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri – Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta – I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams – Guruzeta (4-2-3-1)

While Canales will be hoping to compete with Sancet, Athletic have one of the most settled teams in the division. Despite the change in coach, their lineup will have a familiar feel, with the Williams brothers expected to operate off the flanks, while Gorka Guruzeta remains the standout option up top.

Prediction: 7th – Athletic underachieved last term, and with no European distractions they should do better this time around.

Atletico Madrid

• Last season: 4th
• Coach: Diego Simeone

A 69-point haul last term was Atletico Madrid’s lowest in a full season under Diego Simeone. They were almost entirely focused on the cups from February onwards, but they ultimately missed out on silverware in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. As ever, the goal will be to push Real Madrid and Barcelona as far as possible in La Liga 2026/27, but they’ll need to improve their away form.

Atletico Madrid summer transfers 2026

The summer at the Estadio Metropolitano has been dominated by the Julian Alvarez saga, with the forward openly pushing for a move to Barcelona. The club has so far stood firm and insisted he’s not for sale, creating a tense situation on the eve of the new campaign. Atleti have spent just over €100m on fresh additions, with Alejandro Grimaldo perhaps the most exciting arrival.

Possible Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak – Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo – Hjulmand, Barrios – Simeone, Baena, Lookman – Alvarez (4-2-3-1)

There is still time for many developments in attack, with Alexander Sorloth also being linked with a move away. The club could end up needing to sign at least two strikers if they finally relent on the Alvarez front, and that won’t be easy so late in the summer. Getting more out of Alex Baena will be another priority for Diego Simeone, following a bitterly disappointing first year in the red and white half of Madrid for the Spain international.

Prediction: 3rd – Atleti will comfortably qualify for the Champions League again, but they’re unlikely to challenge for the title.

Barcelona

• Last season: 1st
• Coach: Hansi Flick

Having won five of the six domestic trophies on offer, Hansi Flick’s reign as Barcelona coach has been a real success so far. His challenge this season in La Liga will be to make sure his players remain hungry for another title across the 38 games. The Catalan giants will be anticipating a closer race after winning the league in El Clasico on matchday 35 last season.

Barcelona summer transfers 2026

With Ferran Torres expected to follow Robert Lewandowski out of the door, Barcelona are suddenly very light in the striker department. That could change if Alvarez finally arrives. If not, Flick could opt to use €70m man Anthony Gordon as a striker, after the Englishman completed a move from Newcastle earlier in the summer. With a move for Rodri also being negotiated, it could be a busy end to the window at Camp Nou.

Possible Barcelona XI: J. Garcia – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde – De Jong, Pedri – Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha – Gordon (4-2-3-1)

Barca’s best XI may look quite different in a few weeks. Frenkie de Jong, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, will struggle to win his place back if Rodri joins. New signing Karim Adeyemi is likely to be a squad player, while at this point it’s anyone’s guess who will be the starting striker. Dani Olmo could also potentially be used as a false nine, which may create a starting berth for Fermin Lopez. The versatile Eric Garcia will also feature regularly.

Prediction: 1st – While Barcelona have holes to fill in defence and attack, a 78% win rate across the past two league seasons highlights why they are worthy favourites to defend their crown.

Celta Vigo

• Last season: 6th
• Coach: Claudio Giraldez

Having secured Europa League qualification for the second season running, Celta Vigo are a club on the up under Claudio Giraldez. The faith he showed in young players when he took the role in 2024 has paid off, with the success of the club’s academy also highlighted by the B team’s presence in the 2026/27 Segunda Division.

Celta Vigo summer transfers 2026

Two eyecatching free transfers suggest Celta should be in a position to have another solid campaign. Javi Galan returns to the club where he excelled between 2021 and 2023. Meanwhile, Aleix Febas’ ball-playing attributes should make him a good fit for Giraldez’s team, following an impressive top-flight season at Elche. Oscar Mingueza is the most notable departure, and the Galicians will be disappointed to have lost him without receiving a fee.

Possible Celta Vigo XI: Radu – J. Rodriguez, Starfelt, Alonso – Carreira, Febas, Moriba, Galan – Jutgla, Swedberg – Iglesias (3-4-2-1)

Celta will again be looking to Borja Iglesias, who netted 14 times in 35 league outings last term, to provide the main goal threat. 39-year-old club legend Iago Aspas continues for another season, but Ferran Jutgla and Williot Swedberg will be expected to play the main supporting roles. Febas will compete with the likes of Miguel Roman and Ilaix Moriba in midfield.

Prediction: 5th – Celta showed last year that they have the depth to cope with European football, and Giraldez’s rotation policy is capable of delivering another top-six finish.

Deportivo La Coruña

• Last season: 2nd (Segunda Division)
• Coach: Antonio Hidalgo

Galicia will be represented by two clubs in the top flight, following the promotion of Deportivo La Coruña after eight years away, four of which were spent in the third tier. The Riazor will be rocking over the next few months after Antonio Hidalgo guided the 1999/00 Spanish champions to a second-place finish in last season’s Segunda Division.

Deportivo La Coruña summer transfers 2026

Depor have embarked on one of the boldest summer spending sprees we’ve seen from a newly promoted club. A net outlay of €25.5m has funded some major additions, including a new goalkeeper in the shape of Leo Roman, who previously shone at this level for Mallorca. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also a marquee signing. He scored 14 goals for Marseille last season, while he struck 11 times in 18 outings during his only previous spell in La Liga with Barcelona.

Possible Deportivo La Coruña XI: Roman – Altimira, Loureiro, Noubi, Angeliño – Mella, Amatucci, Soriano, Luismi – Yeremay, Aubameyang (4-4-2)

As far as storylines go, Depor are one of the clubs to watch this season, and their business suggests they can deliver on the pitch. Assuming he stays put amid interest from other clubs, 23-year-old attacker Yeremay Hernandez has the talent to light up La Liga, while Aubameyang will score goals if he gets good service. Hidalgo may use a diamond in midfield, although a switch to a 3-4-3 is also possible as the campaign advances.

Prediction: 12th – In a season when many existing clubs look set to struggle, Depor are capable of doing a bit more than just surviving at this level.

Elche

• Last season: 15th
• Coach: Martin Anselmi

On a tense final day, Elche secured survival with a hard-fought draw at Girona. Despite a poor away record, their possession-heavy approach delivered some impressive results at the Manuel Martinez Valero. However, it has been a summer of change, with Eder Sarabia leaving and Argentine Martin Anselmi taking over.

Elche summer transfers 2026

Aside from Sarabia, Elche have also cashed in on striker Alvaro Rodriguez this summer, with his €25m move to Bournemouth helping fund a number of new signings. With Rafa Mir and Andre Silva also leaving the club, it’s all change in the striker department. Ex-Villarreal frontman Fer Niño looks most likely to fill that void, after completing a €4m transfer from Burgos. Meanwhile, Febas will be very difficult to replace in midfield, following his move to Celta.

Possible Elche XI: Dituro – Bigas, Affengruber, Chust – Sangare, Aguado, Villar, Valera – Morente, Buonanotte – Niño

Stylistically, Elche should play a similar style of football under Anselmi, but this was very much a team built by Sarabia and fresh arrivals are needed to bolster the new man’s options. A 3-4-2-1 structure looks likely, with loanee Facundo Buonanotte potentially set for an important role playing just off the striker.

Prediction: 18th – Anselmi has a really difficult job on his hands at Elche and right now they look short on the quality needed to survive.

Espanyol

• Last season: 11th
• Coach: Manolo Gonzalez

The 2025/26 campaign was very much a season of two halves at Espanyol. 10 of their 12 victories came before the turn of the year, but the club kept faith with Manolo Gonzalez during a four-month winless run and he ultimately guided the Pericos to a respectable 11th-place finish.

Espanyol summer transfers 2026

Espanyol won’t be able to count on the services of Carlos Romero this season. The influential left-back has returned to parent club Villarreal, but there have been few other major changes, so the squad is quite settled. Alex Calatrava is a potentially exciting signing. The 26-year-old is something of a late bloomer, but he’s fresh from an excellent year in the Segunda Division with Castellon.

Possible Espanyol XI: Dmitrovic – El Hilali, Nuñez, Cabrera, Hartman – Urko, Exposito – Dolan, Calatrava, Milla – R. Fernandez (4-2-3-1)

With Kike Garcia and Javi Puado both sidelined until at least November with injuries, scoring goals could be a problem for Espanyol in the opening months. Roberto Fernandez will need to deliver up front, while they’ll be hoping winger Tyrhys Dolan can kick on following a promising debut campaign in Spain. Summer signing Unai Nuñez should slot into the defence.

Prediction: 11th – With quite a settled team, Espanyol are capable of steering clear of trouble, but mid-table may be their ceiling.

Getafe

• Last season: 7th
• Coach: Pepe Bordalas

After guiding Getafe to a brilliant 7th-place finish and Conference League qualification, many expected Pepe Bordalas to leave the Coliseum for the second time. However, he was ultimately persuaded to sign a new two-year deal, meaning the 62-year-old will lead Los Azulones into Europe this term.

Getafe summer transfers 2026

Following the departures of key midfielders Mauro Arambarri and Luis Milla, Getafe have some major rebuilding work to do. Loanee Orel Mangala could fill one of those roles, but Milla’s creativity and set-piece deliveries will be very tough to replace. Several players have converted loans into permanent transfers, while striker Enes Unal has returned to the club on a free transfer, following an injury-ravaged stint at Bournemouth.

Possible Getafe XI: Soria – A. Garcia, Djene, Abqar, Romero, Mojica – Martin, Mangala, Neyou – Unal, Satriano (5-3-2)

Getafe finished last season with the best defensive record outside the top two, and they will always be tough to score against with Bordalas at the helm. However, there is a risk they’ll be found wanting in midfield this season, unless more quality is added. They’ll also need at least one of Unal and Borja Mayoral to stay fit and deliver goals alongside Martin Satriano, who impressed following a January move to the South Madrid club.

Prediction: 15th – Losing both Milla and Arambarri in the same summer, combined with the added demands of European football, will see Getafe drop down the league.

Levante

• Last season: 16th
• Coach: Luis Castro

Appointing Luis Castro around the turn of the year turned out to be an inspired move from Levante. The Portuguese coach won 41% of his league fixtures as the Valencia club recovered from a poor start to beat the drop. Survival will again be the only real target this season.

Levante summer transfers 2026

After scoring 11 times in the second half of last season, Carlos Espi has completed a €25m move to Real Madrid. That has at least freed up some funds for Levante to reinvest, but it leaves a big void in attack. Aissa Mandi looks set for a starting role in defence after arriving on a free transfer, while €3m addition Yanis Musuayi is likely to compete with Karl Etta Eyong and Isaac Romero for places up front.

Possible Levante XI: Ryan – Toljan, De la Fuente, Mandi, M. Sanchez – Sotelo, Olasagasti, C. Alvarez – Romero, Etta Eyong, Tunde (4-3-3)

It’s not a huge leap to say that Levante would have been relegated were it not for Espi’s stunning scoring streak in the final months of last term. Their hopes this time around may in part rest on Etta Eyong rediscovering his form from the early part of the 2025/26 campaign, or some seriously good recruitment late in the window.

Prediction: 19th – Castro worked miracles last season, but repeating the trick over 38 games will be incredibly difficult with one of the most limited squads in the division.

Malaga

• Last season: 4th (Segunda Division)
• Coach: Juan Francisco Funes

The feel-good factor has returned to Malaga after some miserable years in the second and third tiers. They won promotion via the play-offs with a squad largely consisting of homegrown talents. Juan Francisco Funes’ win rate stood at an outstanding 58% after he was promoted from the B-team role in November.

Malaga summer transfers 2026

In contrast to fellow new boys Depor and Racing, Malaga have been relatively inactive in the transfer market so far. Juan Cruz could prove a useful addition on the left flank, while they’ve signed Fernando Calero and Jose Salinas from Espanyol to bolster their defensive options.

Possible Malaga XI: Herrero – Puga, Calero, Galilea, Salinas – Merino, Dotor, Lorenzo – Larrubia, Chupe, Joaquin (4-3-3)

Malaga’s blueprint appears similar to that of Giraldez’s Celta Vigo, given they’re placing a lot of faith in young homegrown players, many of whom are supporters of the club. Funes knows this squad better than anyone and his methods certainly worked a treat in the second tier. However, there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to have the same success in the Primera. While their approach is admirable, Los Boquerones could surely do with signing at least a couple of proven top-flight performers to improve their starting lineup.

Prediction: 20th – If Malaga fail to quickly build on the momentum and excitement that surrounded their promotion, a very long season could lie ahead.

Osasuna

• Last season: 17th
• Coach: Luis Miguel Ramis

After losing their final five matches to fall from a potential European challenge to a relegation fight, Osasuna decided to part company with Alessio Lisci. They’ve turned to Luis Miguel Ramis, who secured an impressive 7th-place finish in the Segunda Division with a defensively-minded Burgos side last season.

Osasuna summer transfers 2026

The €40m departure of Victor Muñoz to Liverpool started the summer in Pamplona, although they only received around half of that sum, due to Real Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause. As was the case last summer, there has been relatively little squad turnover at El Sadar. Winger Jonathan Dubasin has arrived in a €4m switch from Sporting, and he has the best chance of challenging for a starting role of the three new signings.

Possible Osasuna XI: Herrera – Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones – Torro, Moncayola – Dubasin, Oroz, Moro – Budimir (4-2-3-1)

As ever, much will depend on Ante Budimir’s ability to score goals. The Croatian has been one of the most dependable strikers in La Liga in recent years, with 55 strikes in total across the past three seasons. Los Rojillos could do with more contributions from the likes of Raul Moro and Aimar Oroz this time around, although they’ll likely prioritise defensive stability under their new coach.

Prediction: 16th – Any kind of drop-off from 35-year-old Budimir could spell trouble for Osasuna, but they ought to have just enough to stay afloat.

Racing Santander

• Last season: 1st (Segunda Division)
• Coach: Jose Alberto Lopez

Racing won the Segunda Division with style, scoring 90 goals, although they did concede more times than bottom club Real Zaragoza. Jose Alberto Lopez has been in the role since December 2022, so it was no overnight success, with the Cantabrians building on 7th and 5th-place finishes in the previous two seasons. They return to the top flight after a 14-year absence.

Racing Santander summer transfers 2026

As is the case at fellow new boys Depor, Racing’s biggest summer addition to date is also a goalkeeper. Julen Agirrezabala arrives from Athletic Club, following a loan spell at Valencia last term. Sergio Canales’ return to his hometown club after 16 years away is one of the most romantic stories heading into La Liga 2026/27. Meanwhile, Asier Villalibre and Facundo Gonzalez have converted loans into permanent moves to El Sardinero.

Possible Racing Santander XI: Agirrezabala – Mantilla, F. Gonzalez, Ramon, Salinas – Gueye, Puerta – Martin, Canales, Vicente – Villalibre (4-2-3-1)

There are still one or two gaps in this team that need filling, but overall, Racing look well equipped to compete in the Primera. They boast real creativity in the shape of Iñigo Vicente, who registered 17 assists in the 2025/26 Segunda Division. Canales is also still performing at a high level, having scored 41 goals across three years in Liga MX. Concerns do lie at the other end of the pitch, but the signing of Agirrezabala is a step in the right direction and a real statement of intent.

Prediction: 10th – Racing should be good to watch and they are perhaps only one or two smart defensive additions away from being a really competitive Primera Division team.

Rayo Vallecano

• Last season: 8th
• Coach: Beñat San Jose

Problems at the Estadio Vallecas mean Rayo Vallecano are likely to play at least their opening few home fixtures in Leganes, an early handicap for one of Spanish football’s worst-run clubs. They’ve also been hit by the departure of coach Iñigo Perez. Last season’s brilliant run to the Conference League final already seems like a long time ago, as the club prepares for a new dawn under the guidance of Beñat San Jose.

Rayo Vallecano summer transfers 2026

After completing the permanent signing of Nobel Mendy from Real Betis, Rayo look to have done some decent business by selling him on to Hull City for a substantial profit. They’ve also recouped €19m for Pep Chavarria, who has joined Chelsea in one of the surprise moves of the window. That should leave some funds for fresh arrivals, although there have been relatively few incomings so far. Marash Kumbulla is perhaps the most notable addition, with the centre-back likely to partner Florian Lejeune in defence.

Possible Rayo Vallecano XI: Batalla – Ratiu, Lejeune, Kumbulla, Balliu – Ciss, Valentin – De Frutos, Palazon, A. Garcia – Camello (4-2-3-1)

San Jose may be wise not to radically shake up this Rayo side, which has performed well over the past two seasons under Perez. Jorge De Frutos, Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia form an influential attacking trio, but the striker position does remain a problem area. The departures of Mendy and Chavarria also weaken the backline.

Prediction: 13th – Rayo are likely to fall back following successive 8th-place finishes, but there’s still enough quality in the first XI to beat the drop.

Real Betis

• Last season: 5th
• Coach: Manuel Pellegrini

Real Betis were the beneficiaries as Spain were awarded an extra Champions League place. Los Verdiblancos are back at Europe’s elite level for the first time in 21 years, although they’ll again need to play their home fixtures away from the Benito Villamarin at La Cartuja.

Real Betis summer transfers 2026

Betis are not done in terms of their transfer activity, with more outgoings than incomings so far. They got a good fee for midfielder Sergi Altimira, whose place in the squad should be taken by Facundo Bernal, a €10.5m addition from Fluminense. Fran Garcia will also be an upgrade at left-back, following the defender’s switch from Real Madrid.

Possible Real Betis XI: Valles – Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, F. Garcia – Roca, Fornals – Antony, Isco, Abde – C. Hernandez (4-2-3-1)

If he can get fit, Isco could also effectively be a new signing for Betis, after he only managed one start in La Liga last term due to injuries. They have real threats on both flanks with Antony and Ez Abde, but there are still one or two doubts about the defence. The demands of Champions League football could also expose a lack of depth in some positions.

Prediction: 6th – Betis have finished between 5th and 7th in each of the past six years, and there’s no reason to expect anything significantly better or worse this time around.

Real Madrid

• Last season: 2nd
• Coach: Jose Mourinho

Following Xabi Alonso’s departure in January, Real Madrid’s season didn’t really get any better under Alvaro Arbeloa, with dressing-room feuds and a lack of harmony on the pitch adding to a sorry state of affairs. Jose Mourinho is the man tasked with fitting the pieces together this term. 13 years on from his initial departure, the Portuguese coach is back at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he is still highly regarded.

Real Madrid summer transfers 2026

Mourinho has been backed to the tune of €225m this summer. Los Blancos are comfortably the biggest spenders in La Liga, but they look likely to miss out on Rodri, a player they arguably needed more than any of the six that have arrived. Yan Diomande comes in for big money following an excellent campaign in the Bundesliga at RB Leipzig, and he’s likely to operate off the right flank. There are also big changes in defence, with Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate all likely to be pushing for starting roles.

Possible Real Madrid XI: Courtois – Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella – Valverde, Tchouameni – Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius – Mbappe (4-2-3-1)

With Eder Militao currently injured and a number of players returning late from the World Cup, it may be several weeks before Mourinho’s Real Madrid starts to take shape. Vinicius Junior has signed a new contract, so the returning boss faces the same conundrum as his predecessors, who have struggled to get the balance right in the final third since the 2024 addition of Kylian Mbappe.

Prediction: 2nd – Real Madrid haven’t addressed the lack of a ball-playing midfielder and many of the same issues in attack look likely to continue.

Real Sociedad

• Last season: 10th
• Coach: Pellegrino Matarazzo

Pellegrino Matarazzo salvaged Real Sociedad’s 2025/26 season, with the American leading the Basque club to Copa del Rey glory. Their league campaign petered out to some extent, but that was unsurprising after they secured Europa League qualification with their cup win.

Real Sociedad summer transfers 2026

Real Sociedad are another club that may be very active in the final weeks of the window. They haven’t made any new signings so far, but Jon Pacheco could have a role to play after returning from a loan spell at Alaves. Brais Mendez, who has joined Columbus Crew for €6m, is the most notable departure.

Possible Real Sociedad XI: Remiro – Aramburu, Martin, Zubeldia, S. Gomez – Gorrotxategi, Soler – Kubo, Oyarzabal, Guedes – Oskarsson (4-2-3-1)

Matarazzo experimented with deploying Mikel Oyarzabal just off striker Orri Oskarsson towards the end of last season. That could continue this term, although if the Icelandic frontman fails to fire, Oyarzabal may lead the line. Ander Barrenetxea, Take Kubo and Goncalo Guedes should compete for the wide roles, but more depth may be needed in several areas to cope with the extra workload.

Prediction: 8th – There is a risk that expectation levels may now be too high following Matarazzo’s initial impact, but an improvement on last season’s 10th place is likely.

Sevilla

• Last season: 13th
• Coach: Luis Garcia Plaza

Despite a bright start, which included a 4-1 victory over Barcelona in October, Sevilla slumped into another relegation battle last term. It took three straight wins in May to get them over the line. Luis Garcia Plaza oversaw the run-in, and he continues at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan this term.

Sevilla summer transfers 2026

After the collapse of a proposed takeover, Sevilla’s transfer window has followed a familiar pattern. They’ve sold some of their most valuable assets, with Akor Adams, Juanlu Sanchez and Djibril Sow leaving the club for a combined €31m. A number of other players have departed following the end of their contracts. Coming in, Jon Guridi and Juan Iglesias both arrive with plenty of La Liga experience, while 22-year-old Scottish striker Robbie Ure is an eyecatching addition for €6.5m from Swedish club Sirius.

Possible Sevilla XI: Vlachodimos – Carmona, Sangante, Salas, Suazo – Agoume, Guillen – Vargas, Guridi, Oso – Ure (4-2-3-1)

The Andalusians will be hoping that Ure is an upgrade on Isaac Romero, who has only managed to score four league goals in each of the past three seasons. Odysseas Vlachodimos, Kike Salas, Lucien Agoume and Ruben Vargas should form the spine of the team, but fresh transfer activity is likely before the window shuts.

Prediction: 17th – Sevilla continue to sell key players, while looking to do their recruitment on the cheap, which suggests they’ll be in the relegation picture again.

Valencia

• Last season: 9th
• Coach: Carlos Corberan

In what’s expected to be Valencia’s final season at Mestalla, off-field distractions remain. Owner Peter Lim remains as unpopular as ever, and there’s little more love for coach Carlos Corberan, despite what was ultimately a respectable 9th-place finish in La Liga 2025/26. Followers of Los Che are dreaming of better days, but expectation levels remain relatively low.

Valencia summer transfers 2026

There has been plenty of movement at Valencia, but few arrivals or departures really stand out as game-changers. Largie Ramazani will be perhaps the biggest miss of the departees, but the club are still hoping to seal a deal to bring the winger back to Mestalla. They’ve spent €4m on Japanese wideman Ryunosuke Sato, but at 19 his initial impact may be limited. Justin de Haas and Aliou Dieng could also compete for starting roles after arriving on free transfers.

Possible Valencia XI: Dimitrievski – Foulquier, Tarrega, De Haas, Gaya – Guerra, G. Rodriguez, Ugrinic – Rioja, Sadiq, Danjuma (4-3-3)

With good options in midfield, Valencia have some of the foundations needed to be a competitive side, but a lack of investment always seems to leave them light in other areas. Umar Sadiq and Hugo Duro look set to again compete for one place up front, while De Haas is the most likely partner for Cesar Tarrega in central defence. Arnau Martinez is also expected to join from Girona in the coming days, which would be a significant boost at right-back.

Prediction: 9th – Despite their many issues, Valencia still have a bit more quality than many clubs in La Liga, and they should finish in mid-table again.

Villarreal

• Last season: 3rd
• Coach: Iñigo Perez

Despite finishing in the top three of La Liga for the first time in 18 years, Villarreal opted for change this summer, with Iñigo Perez replacing Marcelino. It’s a step up for one of Spain’s brightest young coaches, who will now be able to test himself on the Champions League stage. He’ll also be expected to oversee a strong league campaign, with another top-four finish the objective.

Villarreal summer transfers 2026

It has been a surprisingly quiet summer at Villarreal, who are often one of the most active clubs in the transfer market. The only new signing is Peter Gulacsi, a 36-year-old goalkeeper. However, Carlos Romero’s return from a successful loan spell at Espanyol is a major boost to their options on the left flank. Fresh midfield additions are also expected following the departures of Thomas Partey and Dani Parejo.

Possible Villarreal XI: Gulacsi – Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Romero – Gueye, Comesaña – Pepe, Ayoze, Moleiro – Mikautadze (4-2-3-1)

The arrival of Perez may spark a shift to a 4-2-3-1 structure, although both Ayoze Perez and Gerard Moreno could be used just behind Georges Mikautadze. The Yellow Submarine have quality out wide, with Alberto Moleiro hoping to build on a fine debut season at the Ceramica, which saw the 22-year-old register 10 goals and five assists.

Prediction: 4th – Perez should be a good fit in the dugout, and Villarreal have enough quality across the pitch to secure Champions League qualification once more.

Mark Sochon is an experienced football writer and editor of LaLiga Expert. Based in Madrid, he has covered La Liga and Spanish football for many years. He also covers Spanish and European football for Goal and Betfred, while his work has previously been published by the Guardian and World Soccer.