European Football Powerhouses Gear Up for New Season
With the upcoming football season just around the corner, Europe’s top clubs are gearing up for another shot at the Champions League title. Last season, Manchester City dominated the scene by securing the treble, leaving the traditional elite clubs chasing behind.
Let’s take a look at how the strongest teams in Spain, Italy, France, and Germany are shaping up for the new campaign in terms of summer signings, departures, and pre-season performances.
Real Madrid
In the previous season, Real Madrid reached the Champions League semi-finals but fell short against Manchester City. They secured the second spot in LaLiga and clinched the Copa del Rey.
This summer, Real Madrid has added young English talent Jude Bellingham to their already impressive midfield. Bellingham’s arrival for an initial £88.5 million, which could rise to £114 million with add-ons, strengthens an already star-studded midfield including Modric, Kroos, Tchouameni, and Camavinga. Real’s engine room looks stronger than ever. While there’s interest in Kylian Mbappe, that might have to wait until next year.
Notable departures include Karim Benzema, a club legend with 354 goals and multiple Champions League successes, and the injury-plagued Eden Hazard. Pre-season results have been mixed, with wins against AC Milan and Manchester United but losses to Barcelona and Juventus.
Barcelona
Last season, Barcelona won LaLiga but fell short in the Champions League, exiting in the group stage. They’re dealing with financial constraints, but they’ve signed Ilkay Gundogan and former Southampton-Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu.
Barcelona has bid farewell to legends like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and Ousmane Dembele’s departure to PSG is significant. Pre-season started with challenges due to gastroenteritis, but they managed a convincing win against Real Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain
Despite being Ligue 1 champions, PSG exited the Champions League in the last-16 stage. They’ve undergone a squad shake-up under new coach Luis Enrique, with arrivals like Manuel Ugarte and Lucas Hernandez.
The future of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe remains uncertain. PSG’s pre-season results have been a mixed bag, and they’re hoping for European success under Luis Enrique’s guidance.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, Bundesliga champions, had a strong pre-season campaign, including a win against Liverpool. Their pursuit of Harry Kane has been eventful, but they’ve signed South Korean defender Kim Min-jae. Departures include Lucas Hernandez and Sadio Mane.
Napoli
Serie A champions Napoli managed to keep Victor Osimhen despite interest. They’ve made modest signings to bolster their squad as they prepare to defend their title.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan, Champions League runners-up, have secured Marcus Thuram and Juan Cuadrado. They’ve bid farewell to goalkeeper Andre Onana but are determined to maintain their competitiveness.
As the new season approaches, fans can expect fierce competition and exciting matches as these powerhouse clubs vie for glory in both domestic and European competitions.
