In an attempt to dislodge FC Barcelona from their Spanish championship throne, the two Madrid giants, Real Madrid and Atlético, have made several significant additions and roster upgrades. Here are the five signings to watch in the Spanish league this season.

Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)

At 20 years old, young Spanish defender Dean Huijsen, signed from Bournemouth for 60 million euros, has achieved his "dream" by signing for Real Madrid this summer.

Just one season as a starter at the highest level, and some notable performances on his debut with La Roja, were enough to convince Madrid's management to bet on the 1.97m central defender, born in Amsterdam but raised in Malaga (southern Spain).

Having played for Juventus and AS Roma, Huijsen, named among the revelations of the English championship in 2024-25, will take on an enormous responsibility under the orders of his new coach Xabi Alonso, who wishes to rely on his technical qualities and his serenity to rebuild the Merengue defense.

Alex Baena (Atlético Madrid)

At the end of a disappointing season, in which it once again suffered the law of its two rivals, Atlético Madrid, very active on the transfer market with increased ambitions (6 recruits, 175 million euros spent), acquired another promising Spanish player, Villarreal attacking midfielder Alex Baena, for more than 40 million euros.

Highly sought after for his versatility and passing skills, the 24-year-old is coming off two full seasons at Villarreal, which opened the doors to the Spanish national team, with which he was crowned European champion and 2024 Olympic champion.

The new rojiblanco number 10 is considered by the Madrid press as both a significant offensive reinforcement and a potential successor to Antoine Griezmann, who has extended his contract with the Colchoneros until 2027.

Joan Garcia (FC Barcelona)

Still financially constrained while waiting for the reopening of its legendary stadium, the Camp Nou, Barça, the reigning Spanish champion, has not been able to spend as much as its two rivals.

But he has completed a goalkeeping job that was starting to become urgent, by snatching one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga last season, Catalan Joan Garcia, from his neighbors Espanyol, for 25 million euros.

Although he has not yet been officially registered, he is expected to establish himself as a starter in the Barcelona goal in place of the German Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently underwent back surgery and was forced out after two seasons hampered by injuries.

Marcus Rashford (FC Barcelona)

After failing to attract Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, Barcelona have seized what appears to be a good opportunity to sign Englishman Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy.

Considered undesirable by Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, the 27-year-old striker, already on loan at Aston Villa in 2025, will try to relaunch his career in Catalonia with a view to the 2026 World Cup.

While doubts remain over his compatibility with Blaugrana coach Hansi Flick's system, the former Old Trafford star could be an interesting option to replace Brazilian Raphinha on the left or Polish striker Robert Lewandowski in the centre.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

In the midst of rebuilding its squad to match Xabi Alonso's playing principles, Real Madrid have attracted a new big name in world football, with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, a champion of England and vice-champion of Europe with the Three Lions.

Released from his contract in June to play in the Club World Cup with the Spanish giants, the 26-year-old full-back, trained at Liverpool, has signed a six-year contract at Real, where he will offer numerous tactical possibilities to the Basque coach, on the right flank or in midfield.

Alexander-Arnold, who chooses to be known as "Trent" in Spain, is considered one of the best full-backs in the world offensively, but criticized in England for his defensive struggles.