Five newcomers to look out for in La Liga

Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan warms up before the start of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Manchester City FC at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on April 13, 2022. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO CANAS / AFP)

The 2023/24 La Liga season kicks off this weekend with Barcelona attempting to defend their title from a Real Madrid side that bid farewell to Karim Benzema this summer.

With Spain’s top two clubs adopting different approaches in the transfer market, AFP Sport picks out five new signings to watch this season in La Liga:

JUDE BELLINGHAM (Real Madrid) The England international announced his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu by choosing the number five shirt as a tribute to club great Zinedine Zidane. Signed for an initial fee of 103 million euros ($112 million) from Borussia Dortmund, the 19-year-old Bellingham represents Madrid’s future, with the chance to further refine his game alongside veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, players he will eventually phase out with young French duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. Bellingham shone for England at last year’s World Cup but could only watch from the bench in despair as the German title slipped from Dortmund’s grasp on the final day of the season.

ILKAY GUNDOGAN (Barcelona) The captain of Manchester City’s treble-winning team, Ilkay Gundogan turned down a new contract to move to the Camp Nou on a free transfer after seven hugely successful seasons under Pep Guardiola. The Germany international, who turns 33 in October, will strengthen a Barcelona midfield with plenty of options, including young Spaniards Pedri and Gavi, and Dutchman Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona