The 10 La Liga stars who could transfer this summer

Suraj Radia

• 2 May 2024 17:00 BST
• 5 min read

With the summer approaching, La Liga sides will likely face the prospect of selling some star players in order to continue operating under the tight financial constraints set by the league.

Teams in Spain spent less than €500 million on players last summer – the lowest figure in a decade and significantly less than the other major European leagues, such are the restrictions in place with La Liga’s economic rules.

Even teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona may not be immune to the cuts and FootballTransfers takes a look at ten stars from La Liga who could be sold this summer.

READ MORE: Latest Real Madrid transfer news

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer news

Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)

Much has been made of Barcelona’s financial situation in the past few years and their troubles look set to continue this summer, with every first team player likely to be available for the right price.

One star who offers could be encouraged for is Frenkie de Jong but, just like in 2022 when he turned down a move to Manchester United, the Dutchman is reluctant to leave, while Barcelona are keen to sell their highest earners despite the midfielder being an integral first team player.

Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)

Another Barca star facing an uncertain future is Ronald Araujo, who has been pursued by Man Utd and Bayern Munich in recent months, and the 25-year-old is not considered ‘untouchable’ anymore, meaning a transfer could be possible.

The Uruguayan has just two years remaining on his contract and, while Barcelona want to renew it and promote him into the captain’s group next season, they will look to sell Araujo if he rejects the extension currently on the table

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Perhaps the most feasible sale of the players mentioned, Robert Lewandowski could be a target for Saudi Pro League sides, with Barca desperately looking to get his wages off their books.

The 35-year-old has been in patchy form this season despite 24 goal contributions in 30 games and, while Barca are light up front, Lewandowski remains one of the highest earners at the club and his contract is proving too expensive for the Catalans to stomach.

Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)

The future of Joao Felix will still be in the air this summer, with Barcelona unlikely to turn his loan into a permanent move and Atletico Madrid still not seeing a future with the Portuguese forward.

Felix has scored seven goals in 18 La Liga starts for Barca but has failed to convince teams that he is worth anywhere near the €80m Atletico were holding out for last summer, meaning another loan or a move to Saudi Arabia may be the only options for the 24-year-old.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)

On the other side of Madrid, Real will be preparing for the impending arrivals of Endrick and Kylian Mbappe and the La Liga champions do not envision significant sales despite interest in players such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

Instead, fringe players could depart such as Dani Ceballos, who has made just two league starts this season and has been linked with rivals Atletico as well as a move to the Premier League.

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia)

Of course, teams outside the ‘big three’ will arguably be under even more pressure to sell their stars and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is one player who has been extensively scouted by teams such as Newcastle and Chelsea.

The Georgian shotstopper has established himself as one of the best keepers in Europe during his time in Spain and Valencia are believed to be open to his sale for around €30m due to their financial predicament, which could appeal to teams in need of a new number one.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

One of the most coveted stars in Spain in recent years has been Martin Zubimendi and that is unlikely to change this summer, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich among the sides who have been linked to the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Zubimendi’s release clause is understood to be around €60m and the 25-year-old’s development into a standout number six will undoubtedly attract attention, particularly if he impresses for Spain at Euro 2024 this summer.

Alex Baena (Villarreal)

Another star who will be hoping for a boost in profile from a successful Euros is Alex Baena, who has been a breakout star in La Liga this season for Villarreal.

The 22-year-old has more assists than any other player in La Liga with 12 and has been linked with Aston Villa after breaking into Spain’s national team as a left sided midfielder who can also play forward and more centrally.

Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Nico Williams only signed a new deal with Athletic Bilbao in December but, intriguingly, it was just a three-year deal with his release clause remaining at €50m, indicating the 21-year-old could still be open to a transfer this summer.

The likes of Liverpool and Chelsea have long tracked the winger, who has provided 12 goal contributions this season and has also become a regular part of Luis de la Fuente’s international side.

Miguel Gutierrez (Girona)

La Liga surprise package Girona will face significant interest in their stars, despite having mounted a shock title challenge this season and looking set to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Star winger Savio will join Manchester City this summer but another player who could depart is Miguel Gutierrez, with the left-back considered a target for Man Utd as well as Bayern Munich after his standout campaign.