Five new signings to watch in La Liga

The 2022/23 La Liga season kicks off this weekend with Real Madrid the reigning champions but Barcelona determined to dethrone their bitter rivals after an eye catching summer spending spree.

Here is a look at five of the most notable close-season transfers in the Spanish top flight:

- Monaco to Real Madrid for reported 80 million euros ($81.6m) plus 20 million euros in potential bonuses

Once upon a time Real Madrid reportedly wanted Paul Pogba, but in his compatriot Tchouameni they have bought a player who represents the future of the France midfield, alongside his new club colleague Eduardo Camavinga.

The 22-year-old Tchouameni moved to the European champions from Monaco for a fee that could reportedly reach 100 million euros. He has signed a six-year deal after an outstanding two-and-a-half years at Monaco.

Tchouameni, whose father is a pharmacist, began his career at Bordeaux. He made his full international debut for France last year and has already won 12 caps. He will help ease the burden on Madrid's veteran midfield trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

- Bayern Munich to Barcelona for 45 million euros plus five million euros in add-ons

Barcelona's close-season transfer business has been remarkable given the enormous debt crippling the club. President Joan Laporta has overseen a fire sale of Barcelona's present and future assets to enable them to strengthen the squad now, including 25 percent of their domestic television rights for a quarter century to an American investment fund.

And so they have gone into the market to make five major signings, topped by that of The Best FIFA men's player for 2021, Lewandowski. The Pole will turn 34 later this month but Barca agreed to pay Bayern up to 50 million euros for