There’s just under a month remaining until the start of the new La Liga season and it’s really starting to hot up.
Only this week, the president of the Spanish Football Federation outlined some measures he’d like to see introduced in the top flight by 2024 and they will prove a talking point in themselves.
But for now at least, the format remains and there is no need to change what undoubtedly works.
In fact, the prospect of more La Liga highlights excites and that will only be heightened by the summer speculation which is gathering pace and expected to reach a zenith over the next few weeks.
After clinching the title on the final day of last season, La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have outlined their intentions by signing Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese on a five-year deal.
De Paul, 27, part of Argentina’s Copa America winning side, will play in Spain for a second time in his career having been with Valencia between 2014 and 2016.
They are also reportedly in advanced talks over bringing Antoine Griezmann back from Barcelona in a swap deal for Atlético’s Saúl Ñíguez.
That, presumably, is in the offing so Barca can reduce their wage bill with fringe players such as Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena already sold to free up budget.
Based on the speculation, other big-name departures also need to take place.
Of course, the major news emanating from Spain this week and news which surprised this SBOTOP writer was that Lionel Messi has agreed to stay at Barcelona in a deal until 2026 that includes reducing his wages to half of his previous salary.
Re-signing Messi was the principal summer target of new chairman Joan Laporta, the 34-year-old becoming a free agent after his contract – that reportedly paid him £123 million a season – expired at the end of June.
Yet after guiding his nation to Copa America glory, he has extended his stay in Catalonia, a deal which will enhance Barca’s La Liga betting odds significantly next season.
The club has structured Messi’s contract to help them stay within the boundaries of La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. While he has taken a significant salary cut, bonuses have been worked in and he is due to earn less this coming season than he will the season after as Barcelona wrestle with their finances.
Although they fell short in La Liga and the Champions League last season – although they did win the Copa del Rey – the club has kept faith with Ronald Koeman as manager and signed Messi’s compatriot Sergio Agüero, Eric García and Memphis Depay, all on free transfers.
There will be a certain irony to see Griezmann back in Atletico colours in 2021/22, while Aguero – an Atletico favourite – is back in Spain for the first time in a decade at Barcelona.
If the financial plight at Barcelona is as problematic as some believe, Philippe Coutinho could even be prevented from playing for the club again.
The club appears keen to offload Coutinho who is just 10 appearances away from activating a clause that would mean Barcelona would have to pay Liverpool another €20million.
Currently over their La Liga wage cap, Barca can only spend 25% of what they earn, leaving them in a difficult position.
And with a €50million charge to cancel the midfielder’s contract altogether – barring some sort of mutual agreement to reduce that cost – Barca’s only option is to search for a buyer with the hope the 29 year-old is willing to take a reduced salary elsewhere.
While there is plenty of speculation involving other clubs in Spain, it’s commonplace that most of the noticeable rumours and deals involve the top three heavyweights and I get the impression some significant moves are afoot across the capital at Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti is back in the hotseat, David Alaba has already joined the club and Nacho Fernandez has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2023.
Real are also hoping their star defender Raphael Varane, linked with Manchester United, will put pen to paper on a new contract, but in the event that he doesn’t they will have to look for a replacement – especially now the Sergio Ramos era has ended
In addition, Eder Militao has a contract until 2025, whilst Jesus Vallejo will be coming back from his loan move from Granada, a player Real Madrid still have a lot of faith in.
Of course, it’s not just Barcelona experiencing financial difficulties.
Los Blancos estimated their Covid-caused losses to be at 300 million euros since March last year when La Liga was forced to stop and the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu shut its doors. The team hasn’t played at its traditional home since.
This next month will shine a true light on the footballing ambitions and finances of Spain’s established big-hitters.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
