Preparing for the new season with friendly match opener
As La Liga teams gear up for the new season, the first friendlies of the summer have quietly kicked off. Sevilla returned to form with a 4-0 win over Championship rivals Coventry, while Real Betis beat Swiss side Winterthur by the same score. In addition, domestic friendlies were equally exciting, with Valencia's regional showdown with Villarreal ending 3-2.
Atletico Madrid sign Copa America hero
In defense of their La Liga title, Atletico Madrid have brought in Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese. The addition of the Copa America winner is one of the highlights of this summer's transfer market. De Paul's outstanding performance in the Copa America helped Argentina win the long-awaited title.
La Liga home to host a number of European finals
UEFA has announced that the finals of a number of European tournaments will be held in Spain over the next few years, with the 2022 UEFA Cup final to be held at Seville's Stadio Pizjuan and the 2025 UEFA Cup final moving to Athletic Bilbao's Stadio San Mames, which is also set to host the 2024 Women's UEFA Champions League final.
Garay announces retirement
Last weekend, Liga MX defender Ezequiel Garay announced his retirement. Despite being just 34 years old, injuries brought the Argentine center back's career to an abrupt end. Garay played for Valencia, Atletico Santander and Real Madrid, racking up 201 appearances.
Yellow Submarine signs new striker Dia
Villarreal continue to bring in quality wingers, with new signing striker Boulaye Dia expected to be the next Legends No.9. The 24-year-old from Reims, who scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 last season, will support the team's main strikers Gerard Moreno and Paco Alcácer.
Belchiche to undergo surgery
Athletic Bilbao left-back Yuri Berchiche, who will miss the 2021/22 La Liga season, is expected to undergo surgery in Paris this week and is expected to be out for at least two months.
Fathi's gradual recovery
Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati started the 2020/21 season in spectacular fashion, but then unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury. After a period of rehabilitation, Fati's condition gradually improved and he was even able to complete more intense training.
Fran Garcia continues to play for Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano have triggered an option to buy left-back Fran García, who impressed on loan from Real Madrid last season. The 21-year-old wing-back was key to his side's promotion to La Liga and will play for Rayo Vallecano until 2025.
Monchu joins Granada
Monchu Rodríguez, a youngster from Barcelona's youth academy, completed his transfer to Granada. He spent last season on loan at Girona, where he helped the team reach the final of the promotion playoffs. Now, Monchu has been taken under Granada's wing to prepare for the upcoming fierce matches.
Spain's Olympic journey about to begin
There will be 30 La Liga players competing in this Summer Olympics, more than any other league. The Spanish team, featuring La Liga players, played a friendly against hosts Japan last week that ended in a 1-1 draw. Spain's first Olympic group game will be July 22 against the Egyptian national team.
