The summer of 2024 saw some of the biggest names in football move to Spain, bringing a mix of world-class talent and promising young stars into LALIGA.
From the long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid to Girona’s retooling for their Champions League debut, this transfer window brings further excitement to LALIGA.
Let’s dive into the key signings and how they’ll shape the 24/25 season.
Dani Olmo Returns to FC Barcelona as a European Champion
Barcelona made a significant statement by re-signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for €55 million. After an electric Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, Olmo returns to his boyhood club, adding flair and creativity to Barcelona’s attacking line.
His immediate impact, marked by a debut goal in a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, suggests he could be key in Barca's bid to regain domestic dominance.
Kylian Mbappé Finally Becomes a Galáctico
It took years, but Real Madrid finally got their man: Kylian Mbappé. Coming in on a free transfer from PSG, Mbappé is set to light up the Bernabéu. He’s already making waves, scoring in his debut during a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta.
At 25, he’s at the peak of his powers, and his arrival gives Real Madrid one of the most formidable attacking lineups in Europe.
James Rodríguez Returns to LALIGA with Rayo Vallecano
James Rodríguez is back in Spain, but this time with Rayo Vallecano. While Radamel Falcao left, Rayo didn’t waste time bringing in another Colombian superstar. James, with his experience and playmaking flair, returns after stints across Europe and South America. Rayo fans can expect a lot from their new No. 10, as his creativity could be the game-changer for their season.
Villarreal’s Summer Revamp
Villarreal have been among Europe’s most active clubs this summer, making 10 significant signings. Standout arrivals include Logan Costa (CB from Toulouse for €18 million, Luiz Júnior (GK from Famalicão for €12 million), Thierno Barry (CF from FC Basel for €14 million) and Willy Kambwala (CB from Man Utd for €10 million).
Other signings include defender Sergi Cardona, midfielder Pape Gueye, and forwards Ayoze Pérez and Nicolas Pépé. These reinforcements, along with loan signings like Juan Bernat from PSG, are set to give Villarreal a much-needed boost as they aim to challenge both domestically and in Europe.
Are Atlético de Madrid Cooking?
Atlético Madrid didn’t hold back this summer. Atlético Madrid pulled off one of the window’s biggest deals by signing Julián Alvarez from Manchester City for €75 million. The Argentine forward, fresh from winning the FIFA World Cup and the Champions League, now brings his goal-scoring prowess to Diego Simeone’s side.
He’s joined by midfielder Conor Gallagher (€42 million), defender Robin Le Normand (€34.5 million), and forward Alexander Sørloth (€32 million), marking one of the most ambitious transfer windows in Atleti’s recent history.
Girona FC Rebuild for Champions League
Girona FC are fresh from qualifying for the Champions League but faced the departure of two key players - LALIGA 23/24 Golden Boot winner Artem Dovbyk ( €30.5 million) and Aleix Garcia (€18 million) who featured in LALIGA’s Team of the Season.
As a result, Girona have overhauled their squad with several key additions. Signings like winger Yaser Asprilla (from Watford for €18 million), centre-back Ladislav Krejci (from Sparta Prague for €8 million) and striker Abel Ruiz (from SC Braga for €9 million) highlight Girona’s intent to compete on both domestic and European fronts. Additionally, high-profile loans such as Donny van de Beek and Arnaut Danjuma show the club’s ambition as they prepare for their first-ever Champions League campaign.
Real Sociedad win the race to sign Orri Óskarsson
One of the most hotly contested transfers of the summer was Icelandic striker Orri Óskarsson’s move to Real Sociedad from FC Copenhagen. The 20-year-old scored 23 goals in 62 appearances in Denmark, attracting attention from several top European clubs.
Sociedad managed to land him for €10 million, and his arrival adds exciting firepower to the Basque club’s attack.
Promoted Clubs Retain & Bolster
The newly promoted sides—CD Leganés, Real Valladolid, and RCD Espanyol—focused on both retaining key players and bolstering their squads.
Leganés made a splash on deadline day by bringing in Sébastien Haller on loan from Borussia Dortmund. Valladolid locked in Stipe Biuk and Raúl Moro, while Espanyol added attacking talent with Alejo Veliz and Irvin Cardona. Each of these clubs is aiming to make a mark in LALIGA.
Bryan Zaragoza is back in LALIGA EA SPORTS
As one of the most talented young Spanish players around, it’s exciting to see Bryan Zaragoza back in LALIGA.
The 23 year old has joined CA Osasuna on loan from Bayern Munich, after he secured a transfer to the German giants midway through last season, given how well he was playing for Granada CF. His pace and creativity have already shown through in his early games for Osasuna, and fans are eager to see him continue his rise.
Other Notable Transfers
Another big move was Endrick to Real Madrid. The 17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid transferred for €47.5 million and is set to be a major future star for the club. He’s widely regarded as one of the top young prospects in world football.
The final hours of the window saw a flurry of activity, including Sébastien Haller’s loan move to CD Leganés from Dortmund and Giovani Lo Celso returning to Real Betis from Spurs for €5 million. CB Nayef Aguerd joined Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham, winger Chiquinho moved on loan from Wolves to RCD Mallorca, and CF Fábio Silva signed with UD Las Palmas from Wolves also on a loan deal.
These deadline-day deals added further depth and excitement across the league.
Conclusion: Fresh Faces, High Stakes
The summer 2024 transfer window has breathed new life into LALIGA, with established superstars and emerging talents alike set to shine.
From Kylian Mbappé to Julián Alvarez, this season is shaping up to be a battle of the giants. Meanwhile, clubs like Girona FC, Villarreal, and Real Sociedad have strengthened in their pursuit of domestic and European glory. As the 2024/25 campaign unfolds, these transfers will undoubtedly define the season, and fans are in for a thrilling ride.
