Barcelona and Real Madrid’s dominance last season progressed beyond the borders of Iberia and into continental competitions as both La Liga titans captivated the Champions League with a series of breathtaking displays. While Real Madrid managed to capture their first Copa del Rey since 1993, Barcelona proved to be even better by clinching a league and Champions League double. With eye-catching pre-season performances and transfers this summer, the trend will likely continue throughout 2011/12.

But that is not to say that this La Liga season will be dull for the rest of the country. Nouveau-riche Malaga have greatly improved with some noticeable signings, while Valencia will be eager to prove that they will always manage to replace their departing stars in the fight to be Spain’s third best team. And that is without considering the relegation tussle. Inside Futbol preview the 2011/12 La Liga season.

Athletic Bilbao

The all-Basque team is a dying breed of nationality restricted selection in Europe, setting their principles above any other factor. Yet despite this, Athletic remain one of three teams never to be relegated from the Spanish top flight – besides Barcelona and Real Madrid. Going in the opposite direction to the game’s globalisation trend, their continued presence in the top flight is a tale of wonder.

Harbouring the explosive talents of World Cup winner Javi Martinez and young striker Iker Muniain, the Basque outfit have stars in the making next to established hitman Fernando Llorente, the true spearhead of the squad. Courted by clubs from across Europe in the summer, Llorente will start the new season in the white and red colours of Bilbao. Should he be in top form, then it is likely that the team will have every chance of competing in the upper reaches of La Liga.

Key arrivals: Ander Herrera (Real Zaragoza)
Key departures: None
Prediction: 7th



Atletico Madrid

It was a case of deja vu for Atletico Madrid fans this summer: Four years after the controversial departure of star man Fernando Torres to England, the team’s supporters were poised to lose other key players, ones that almost single-handedly carried the team at crucial times. The elephant was not in the room anymore as Sergio Aguero and David de Gea moved to the city of Manchester.

Deportivo La Coruna forward Adrian has been brought to replace Aguero, but the former Real Madrid player hardly fills the striker’s shoes. With the departure of Aguero, Atletico Madrid might have just lost their spark, but luckily for the Vicente Calderon outfit, Diego Forlan hit top form on Copa America duty with Uruguay and looks ready to fit back into the Atletico puzzle after a disappointing 2010/11 season that followed a brilliant World Cup campaign. Additionally, winger Arda Turan arrives from Turkey; the former Galatasaray captain is eager to start a new chapter in his career.

Key arrivals: Silvio Perreira (Braga), Gabi (Real Zaragoza), Miranda (Sao Paolo), Eduardo Salvio (Benfica), Sergio Asenjo (Malaga – loan return), Adrian Lopez (Deportivo La Coruna), Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea – loan), Tiago (Juventus – loan return), Arda Turan (Galatasaray)
Key departures: Tomas Ujfalusi (Galatasaray), David de Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ibrahima Balde (Osasuna), Gabi (Real Zaragoza)
Prediction: 5th

FC Barcelona

The question really is intriguing: How does a team that is hailed unanimously across the world as the best at what it does improve year after year and continue to dazzle the crowd with their tiki-taka brand of football? As Lionel Messi and his team-mates have shown over the past few years, nothing is impossible in football, and going into the 2011/12 campaign none will be more eager to improve than La Liga champions and Champions League holders Barcelona.

The arrival of highly rated winger Alexis Sanchez from Udinese has further added quality to Barcelona’s side. The Chilean is an important signing, but fans are undoubtedly eager to see the long awaited return of Cesc Fabregas, in the conclusion of a saga that has been brewing for over three years now. The explosive pre-season Thiago Alcantara however raised questions over the necessity of bringing in the Arsenal captain, and the Brazilian-born midfielder is relishing the chance to stake his claim as Xavi’s successor in the team.

Key arrivals: Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Aliaksandr Hleb (Birmingham City – loan return), Keirrison (Santos – loan return), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Key departures: Martin Caceres (Sevilla), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), Bojan Krkic (Roma), Jeffren (Sporting Lisbon), Gabriel Milito (Independiente)
Prediction: 1st

Real Betis

A team that were once a force to reckon with in La Liga head back into the spotlight after two seasons spent in the abyss of the Segunda Division. Tumultuous times in Spain’s second tier deprived the 2005 Copa del Rey winners of a quick return to La Liga, before the side won the second division title last term. This ensured promotion to fight with the big boys again and especially, cross-town neighbours Sevilla who have managed to establish themselves as the city’s leading team in recent years.

Real Betis once hosted the likes of Diego Tristan, Denilson and Ricardo Oliveira. This summer the only true star of the squad, Achille Emana, signed a deal with Middle Eastern club Al-Hilal; a big blow. Betis’ summer business has been average at best this year and should they fail to strengthen during the remaining time left in the transfer window, then remaining in La Liga could be nothing more than a dream.

Key arrivals: Javier Chica (Espanyol), Mario Alvarez (Getafe), Javier Matilla (Villarreal), Fabricio Agosto (Real Valladolid), Jefferson Montero (Villarreal – loan), Antonio Sanchez (Albacete – loan return), Nelson Marcos (Osasuna – loan return), Juande (Granada – loan return), Rodri (FC Cartagena – loan return); Antonio Amaya (Wigan Athletic)
Key departures: David Odonkor (Karlsruher SC), Fran No (released), Israel (released), Roversio (Osasuna – loan return), Miguel Lopes (Porto – loan return); Achille Emana (Al-Hilal)
Prediction: 16th

RCD Espanyol

Last season proved to be a good year for Espanyol. Barcelona’s second team might have missed out on European action, but the club held a good league placing for much of the season before eventually slipping as the campaign drew to a close. However, following some good signings, Los Periquitos have a chance of having a good, solid 2011/12 campaign right until the end.

One thing that could possibly trouble Espanyol’s dreams is the situation surrounding goalkeeper Carlos Kameni. A gifted custodian on his day, the Cameroonian was seemingly destined for Serie A side Roma, with the move scrapped at the very last minute as the Romans opted for Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg. After a disappointing season with the club – in which he fought team-mates and made several mistakes – a revival for Kameni at the Cornella-El Prat is vital for Espanyol.

Key arrivals: Juan Angel Albin (Getafe), Adrian Luna (Defensor Sporting), Didac Vila (AC Milan – loan), Marvin Zeegelaar (Ajax), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Milan Smiljanic (Partizan Belgrade – loan return), Kiko Casilla (FC Cartagena – loan return), Victor Ibanez (SD Eibar – loan return), Ferran Corominas (CD Osasuna – loan return), Rui Fonte (Sporting Lisbon – loan)
Key departures: Javier Chica (Real Betis), Jose Callejon (Real Madrid), Ben Sahar (Auxerre – loan), Manu Molina (SD Huesca – loan), Angel Martinez (Blackpool)
Prediction: 10th

Getafe CF

Filled with many of Spain’s best burgeoning talents in previous seasons, Getafe’s sixteenth-place finish last year was a disappointing result for a club that has long been heralded as a slayer of giants.

Having recently been the subject of a €70-90M acquisition by the Royal Emirates Group, money could be available for the club to invest in the purchase of new players. So far though, many of their signings have all arrived for free, while Los Azulones have seen integral players such as Juan Albin and Daniel Parejo walk out of the door for pastures new. Enough talent for a solid mid-table campaign remains however.

Key arrivals: Diego Castro (Sporting Gijon), Mehdi Lacen (Racing Santander), Juan Rodriguez (Deportivo La Coruna), Alberto Lopo (Deportivo La Coruna)
Key departures: Mario Alvarez (Real Betis), Juan Angel Albin (Espanyol), Manu del Moral (Sevilla), Daniel Parejo (Valencia), Ivan Marcano (Villarreal – loan return), Miguel Pallardo (Levante), Derek Boateng (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Prediction: 11th

Granada CF

After 35 years away from the Primera Division, Granada return to tussle with the big boys of La Liga following their successful promotion playoff campaign last year. With financial difficulties a thing of the past, thanks to a successful partnership with Italian side Udinese, Granada can now hope for an extended stay in the Spanish top flight.

Granada’s player exchange agreement with Udinese has been the key factor contributing to the club’s success in recent years, as the team played in the Spanish third division during the 2009/10 campaign. With such a relatively unknown squad, Granada’s biggest challenge will be surviving the relegation battle and ensuring La Liga football in the 2012/13 season. There is a lack of depth – with just 19 first-teamers – and more players will need to be added.

Key arrivals: Guilherme Siqueira (Udinese), Aziz Tetteh (Leganes – loan return), Matias Alonso (Cerro – loan return), Jaime Romero (Udinese – loan), David Cortes (Hercules), Ikechi Anya (Celta Vigo), Noe Paramot (Hercules), Enrique Corrales (Mallorca), Yohan Mollo (Monaco)
Key departures: Juan Collantes (Cartagena), Carlos Calvo (Udinese – loan return), Jonathan Mensah (Udinese – loan return), Fabian Orellana (Udinese – loan return), Mikel Rico (Udinese – loan return), Juande (Real Betis – loan return), Alex Cruz (Sabadell FC – loan), Oscar Perez (Cadiz – loan)
Prediction: 19th



UD Levante

Following two years in the second division, Valencia-based side Levante returned to the limelight last season, managing a fourteenth-place finish. Under the guidance of new coach Juan Ignacio Martinez, Levante will be hoping for a better run this season, despite the stronger teams present in the Spanish league pond.

While the club’s best player last year, Felipe Caicedo, departed for pastures new in Russia, Levante managed to retain the services of midfielder Xavi Torres and former Chelsea player Asier del Horno for another year, as well as those of highly rated Arsenal youngster Wellington Silva. While the presence of such players is undoubtedly a boost, Levante’s chances of claiming continental action for the 2011/12 season remain slim. Another struggle to survive lies ahead.

Key arrivals: Marc Mateu (CD Badajoz – loan return), Keylor Navas (Albacete – loan), Carlos Aranda (Osasuna), Xavi Torres (Malaga – loan), Asier del Horno (Valencia), Jose Javier Barkero (Numancia), Javier Farinos (Hercules), Miguel Pallardo (Getafe), Wellington Silva (Arsenal –loan)
Key departures: Felipe Caicedo (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gorka Larrea (Numancia), Cerra (Cordoba), Manolo Reina (Cartagena), Christian Suani (Reggina – loan return), Jefferson Montero (Villarreal – loan return)
Prediction: 17th

Malaga CF

Malaga are the most highly anticipated team in La Liga this season. While the domination of Barcelona and Real Madrid has become a de-facto rule of the Spanish league in recent years, the emergence of money-fuelled Malaga, under the direction of Qatari Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, undoubtedly has echoes of Roman Abramovich’s arrival in the English Premier League with Chelsea. Sheikh Abdullah will want to follow in the Russian’s footsteps.

Big name players have been lured to the Andalucian side. Established stars such as Martin Demichelis – on loan for the second part of last season –, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Joris Mathijsen all make the trip from Germany to Andalucia, while talented full back Nacho Monreal arrives from Osasuna. However, the team’s star signing this summer is winger Santi Cazorla, who until recently was followed by both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Cazorla’s arrival for €19M shows that Malaga mean serious business. Indeed, a Champions League spot could be an early reward for such an astonishing outlay.

Key arrivals: Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Hamburg), Nacho Monreal (Osasuna), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Sergio Sanchez (Sevilla), Joaquin (Valencia), Diego Buonanotte (River Plate – loan return), Edinho (Maritimo – loan return), Isco (Valencia), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal)
Key departures: Sergio Asenjo (Atletico Madrid – loan return), Xavi Torres (Levante – loan), Rodrigo Galatto (Neuchatel Xamax), Manu Torres (Cartagena), Manolo Gaspar (Cartagena), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd – loan return), Javi Lopez (Real Jaen – loan), Sandro Silva (Internacional)
Prediction: 4th

RCD Mallorca

Overall it has been a disappointing summer market for islanders Mallorca. The team witnessed the departure of Cameroonian striker Pierre Webo to Turkey, while Oscar Trejo – another highly rated performer – quickly packed his bags and landed in Sporting de Gijon after a year spent on loan in the second division with recently promoted Rayo Vallecano.

However, the arrival of Gianni Zuiverloon from English outfit West Bromwich Albion will reinforce a team that houses Jonathan de Guzman and Ivan Ramis. Ramis was one of the best players of last year’s La Liga, despite Mallorca barely escaping relegation as they finished in 17th. Coach Michael Laudrup faces a tough battle to keep the side’s head above water. Good home form should be enough.

Key arrivals: Oscar Trejo (Rayo Vallecano – loan return), Tomer Hemed (Maccabi Haifa), Pablo Caceres (Tigre), Gianni Zuiverloon (West Bromwich Albion), Chico (Genoa – loan)
Key departures: Ruben Gonzalez (Osasuna), Oscar Trejo (Sporting Gijon), Ayoye Diaz (Deportivo La Coruna), Sergi Enrich (Recreativo Huelva – loan), Tuni (Gimnastic Tarragona – loan), Juan Calatayud (Hercules), German Lux (Deportivo La Coruna), Enrique Corrales (Granada), Pierre Webo (Eskisehirspor)
Prediction: 13th

CA Osasuna

A Bastille in every meaning of the word, Osasuna hope to be the team they once were in the 2005/06 season, when they finished fourth. One of the hardest teams to beat at home thanks to their intimidating Reyno de Navarra stadium, in contrast Los Rojillos hold one of La Liga’s poorest away records.

Osasuna have recruited well ahead this summer, with players such as Senegalese starlet Ibrahima Balde and former Tenerife defender Marc Bertran moving to the Basque team. However, the club have seen players such as Nacho Monreal leave for a new adventure with nouveau-riche Malaga. Monreal has long been groomed as Osasuna’s star of the future and his departure will constitute a blow for the 2005 Copa del Rey runners-up.

Key arrivals: Roversio (Real Betis – loan return), Ibrahima Balde (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Lopez (Real Valladolid), Ruben Gonzalez (Mallorca), Marc Bertran (Tenerife), Nino (Tenerife), Jokin Esparza, Andres Fernandez (both Huesca), Jukka Raitala (Hoffenheim – loan)
Key departures: Nelson Marcos (Real Betis), Ferran Corominas (Espanyol – loan return), Carlos Aranda (Levante), Nacho Monreal (Malaga), Nelson Marcos (Real Betis – loan return), Josetxo (Huesca), Oier Sanjurjo (Celta Vigo – loan), Javier Camunas (Villarreal), Fernando Soriano (Almeria)
Prediction: 12th

Racing de Santander

The arrival of former Internazionale manager Hector Cuper will undoubtedly work in the favour of the Cantabrian team. Having regressed following coach Marcelino’s impressive stint at the club, Racing will want to establish themselves firmly amidst the likes of Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal as one of La Liga’s biggest teams.

A sixth place finish back in 2007/08 remains Racing’s best in the Spanish top flight. Then, players such as Ezequiel Garay and Pedro Munitis ensured Los Verdiblancos a place in Europe’s silver medal competition, the former UEFA Cup. While Garay is now forgotten in Spain, Munitis has stayed on as the team’s captain. With talents such as Swedish winger Kennedy Bakircioglu and the vastly improving Marc Torrejon in the squad, Racing can aim for a Europa League finish with a good string of results, combined with a little bit of luck.

Key arrivals: Jose Picon (Pontevedra – loan return), Edu Bedia (Salamanca – loan return), Lautaro Acosta (Sevilla – loan)
Key departures: Mehdi Lacen (Getafe), Fabio Coltorti (Lausanne), Henrique (Barcelona – loan return), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena – loan return), Markus Rosenberg (Werder Bremen – loan return), Giovani dos Santos (Tottenham Hotspur – loan return), Ivan Bolado (Cartagena)
Prediction: 9th

Rayo Vallecano

For Rayo Vallecano, surviving relegation this year will be a true battle. The Madrid-based outfit that was once the home of Real Madrid players Hugo Sanchez and Laurie Cunningham possesses the weakest squad a La Liga side could hope for. The side’s only major name remains goalkeeper David Cobeno, who has played for the likes of Sevilla and Almeria in the past.

Furthermore, the debts that have entangled the club hinder any possibility of bringing in new players ahead of the new season. Playing in the tiny 15,500-capacity Teresa Rivero stadium, the team’s investment in building a newer ground will likely see their transfer mill immobile for the rest of the summer. At this point, Rayo Vallecano look certainties for the drop.

Key arrivals: Sueliton Pereira (Sao Jose), Michu (Celta Vigo)
Key departures: Oscar Trejo (Mallorca – loan return), Jorge Andujar (Sevilla), Antonio Amaya (Wigan Athletic – loan return), Brayan Angulo (Leixoes SC), Borja Garcia (Cordoba)
Prediction: 20th



Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho and his Real Madrid troops look set for another war with Barcelona over the hegemony of La Liga and Europe. Mourinho’s arrival last summer following a historic campaign with Inter saw Madrid land their first Copa del Rey since 1993, but undoubtedly there will be bigger prizes on the coach’s mind.

The Portuguese’s backers point out that the Mourinho’s teams are always better in their second year, a fact that has been confirmed so far as Real Madrid’s pre-season has been inch-perfect. The arrival of Fabio Coentrao and Hamit Altintop adds depth to the squad, while the signings of Nuri Sahin and Rafael Varane continue to build what is a young side. With the Supercup an early taster of the battle that lies ahead with Barcelona, the real test for Los Blancos will come sooner rather than later. Overhauling Barcelona could though once again be a bridge too far.

Key arrivals: Jose Callejon (Espanyol), David Mateos (AEK Athens – loan return), Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund), Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Lens), Royston Drenthe (Hercules – loan return), Fabio Coentrao (Benfica)
Key departures: Sergio Canales (Valencia – loan), David Mateos (Real Zaragoza – loan), Jerzy Dudek (released), Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City – loan return), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica)
Prediction: 2nd

Real Sociedad

Nowhere near the team that fought for the title with Real Madrid until the very last day of the 2002/03 campaign, Real Sociedad are hardly considered a “big” Spanish club anymore. The two-time La Liga winners returned from the second division last season, surprising much of the league with a series of displays that saw the club lingering in mid-table; a great result for a newly-promoted side.

Boasting a group of individuals able to spring a surprise on their day, Real Sociedad will be treated with caution by opponents. The partnership between Raul Tamudo and Joseba Llorente up front is one that can threaten most teams, while the presence of Xabi Prieto in midfield remains a reassuring one, alongside Jeffrey Sarpong and Antoine Griezmann.

Key arrivals: Borja Viguera (Gimnastic Tarragona)
Key departures: Diego Rivas (Hercules), Francisco Sutil (Real Murcia)
Prediction: 15th

Sevilla

It seems such a long time ago since Sevilla were the talk of the town in Europe. Back-to-back UEFA Cups in 2005/06 and 2006/07 installed the Andalucian team as legitimate contenders to break the Barcelona-Real Madrid dominance in a league that has been craving effective competitiveness for over seven years; indeed, the last time a team outside the Bernabeu-Camp Nou hegemony won the league title was in 2004.

The departure of left winger Diego Capel has not met with a good reaction from supporters. Playing most of his career at the club that made his name known, Capel’s tears as he waved goodbye in his farewell speech spoke volumes. Add to this the departure of Luis Fabiano earlier this year and that of Renato and the winning class feels completely dismantled. However, new signings such as Piotr Trochowski will be eager to win the fans over as Sevilla enter a new era.

Key arrivals: Martin Caceres (Barcelona), Manu del Moral (Getafe), Jorge Andujar (Rayo Vallecano), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg), Tom de Mul (Standard Liege – loan return), Luca Cigarini (Napoli – loan return), Emir Spahic (Montpellier), Hiroshi Ibusuki (Girona)
Key departures: Sergio Sanchez (Malaga), Lautaro Acosta (Racing Santander – loan), Renato (Botafogo), Diego Capel (Sporting Lisbon), Koffi Romaric (Bursaspor)
Prediction: 6th

Sporting de Gijon

Ironically it was Sporting Gijon’s coach whose name shone more than his team last term. A man not known for standing down, Manuel Preciado’s war of words with Jose Mourinho last season exploded for much of the festivities. It was the moustached trainer who managed to end Mourinho’s astronomical 150 unbeaten home league match record. While the tension between the two has since cooled, emotion will certainly be high whenever they meet again.

On the pitch, Sporting’s business has gone smoothly and the signing of Argentine forward Oscar Trejo will certainly add value to the team. However, the departure of left-back Jose Angel to Luis Enrique’s Roma will be felt, his name linked at one point with champions Barcelona. Overall, Sporting should be safe from relegation should they play their cards right.

Key arrivals: Oscar Trejo (Mallorca), Damian Suarez (Defensor Sporting), Ricardo Leon (Tenerife), Marcos Landeira (Real Union – loan return)
Key departures: Diego Castro (Getafe), Andre Castro (Porto – loan return), Jose Angel (Roma)
Prediction: 14th

Valencia CF

The tale of Valencia is truly one of wonder. After seeing the likes of David Silva and David Villa exit the club, the team still managed to be the “best of the rest” in Spain and occupy third in the standings last season, proving that even though players may come and go, the club will always manage to replace those stars.

The departure of Joaquin this summer marked the end of Valencia’s “Four Horsemen”. On the other hand, the arrival of new young hopefuls such as Daniel Parejo, Sergio Canales and Pablo Piatti add incredible potential to the side, all three billed as future stars of the game. Furthermore, highly-rated shot-stopper Diego Alves comes in to replace the ageing Cesar Sanchez, who departs to cross town neighbours Villarreal. All in all, another “maximum” finish for Los Che.

Key arrivals: Daniel Parejo (Getafe), Sergio Canales (Real Madrid – loan), Diego Alves (Almeria), Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas – loan return), Adil Rami (Lille – loan return), Renan (Internacional – loan return), Sofiane Feghouli (Almeria – loan return), Pablo Piatti (Almeria), Cristiano Pereira (Braga)
Key departures: Miguel Angel Moya (Getafe – loan), Asier del Horno (Levante), Joaquin (Malaga), Isco (Malaga), Cesar Sanchez (Villarreal), Marius Stankevicius (Sampdoria – loan return), Manuel Fernandes (Besiktas), David Navarro (Neuchatel Xamax), Renan (Internacional), Alejandro Dominguez (River Plate – loan), Nacho Gonzalez (Standard Liege)
Prediction: 3rd

Villarreal

Like Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, Villarreal will try and break Valencia’s hold on third place this season. While the Yellow Submarine have the potential to do so, the loss of some of key players over the past few years toughens the job. Nevertheless, it is up to Juan Carlos Garrido to guide his team all the way to a respectable finish.

The effect of the departures of Joan Capdevila and Santi Cazorla will be very visible: Capdevila is the first-choice left-back for his country, while Cazorla was simply sublime last year, producing a campaign that earned him universal praise. Giuseppe Rossi remains the true star of this side and Villarreal must keep hold of the Italian if they are to again challenge in the upper reaches.

Key arrivals: Ivan Marcano (Getafe – loan return), Javier Camunas (Osasuna), Cesar Sanchez (Valencia), Javier Matilla (Real Betis), Jefferson Montero (Levante – loan return), Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor – loan return), Cristian Zapata (Udinese)
Key departures: Javier Matilla (Getafe), Jefferson Montero (Real Betis – loan), Santi Cazorla (Malaga), Ivan Marcano (Olympiacos – loan), Cicinho (Roma – loan return), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Joan Capdevila (Benfica)
Prediction: 8th

Real Zaragoza

Long perceived as a relegation candidate, Real Zaragoza’s survival last season was considered nothing short of a miracle. Lacking both in numbers and class, the achievement of more La Liga football is one of which to be proud. However, the competition is only getting harder, and Zaragoza must rely on factors other than luck to maintain their stay in football paradise.

While the team survived on the final matchday of the concluding season, the departures of Ander Herrera and Florent Sinama-Pongolle are a heavy blow. Herrera is a Spain star in the making, shining in the country’s successful Under-21 campaign in Denmark, alongside other star players such as David de Gea, Juan Mata and Barcelona sensation Thiago Alcantara. Just how the team will cope with his absence remains to be seen.

Key arrivals: David Mateos (Real Madrid – loan), Pablo Barros (Cruzeiro – loan return), Efrain Juarez (Celtic – loan), Roberto Jimenez (Benfica)
Key departures: Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao), Gabi (Atletico Madrid), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Sporting Lisbon – loan return), Marco Perez (Boyaca Chico), Nicolas Bertolo (Palermo – loan return), Guirane N’Daw (Saint-Etienne – loan return)
Prediction: 18th