Four bargains that could be found in La Liga this summer
In previous summers, La Liga has proven a hotbed for talent and bargains, and this transfer window is likely to be no different.
After Michael Laudrup plucked Michu for a bargain taking him to Swansea, it has shown that there are great deals to be had. Premier League managers are typically attracted to La Liga as a source of recruitment, due to the emphasis on the technical side of the game.
It has always been the case in Spain that this aspect has taken centre stage in training, through all age groups, as such that by the time players get to their early 20s, they are far more accomplished on the ball than most Premier League players.
Looking back at previous seasons, new Real Madrid boss, Rafa Benitez when at Liverpool stocked most of his squad with technically gifted players including Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Fernando Morientes and Fernando Torres, and to great effect, when they delivered him trophies.
Arsene Wenger signed Santi Cazorla, and he has been instrumental for the Gunners; his quality and time spent in La Liga obvious, while Mikel Arteta, who started at Everton is another significant success story. Juan Mata and David Silva are further examples of the kind of impact that Spanish players can have on a league such as the English top flight.
As a result, we explore five potential La Liga targets for Premier League clubs and the impact they may have for certain teams.
Alvaro Vazquez
Getafe sent the 23-year-old striker on a season-long loan to Swansea last season, and on his return he has struck on nine occasions for the Spanish outfit.
More of a poacher, he would be ideal for a club such as Everton, who could provide him with quality service into area and if Romelu Lukaku moves in the summer, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, could be tempted to lodge a bid, at least on loan, for his compatriot.
Andreu Fontas
His club Celta Vigo achieved a respectable mid-table finish last season, which isn’t bad for a club who operate on a shoe-string budget. Centre back Fontas [pictured] has played a big role for his team, and at just 25, has his best years in front of him.
Having started his career at Barcelona, he was blooded the Catalan way, coming through the revered La Masia youth academy, and he will be an asset to any club.
Again, Everton, who will have to replace Phil Jagielka, would be a great destination for him, under Martinez, though with Toby Alderweireld deciding not to re-join Southampton, the Saints could be tempted.
Ignacio Camacho
Malaga’s combative, yet cultured central midfielder is still only 25, and having just broken into the Spain national squad, could be tracked by a number of clubs this summer, including Premier League outfit Tottenham.
A similar kind of player to Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, the former Atletico Madrid player has the potential to be part of a club who can consistently challenge for major honours, and the summer could just see Arsenal taking interest, with the Gunners in need of a holding midfielder.
Manu Trigueros
Considered very much to be somewhat of a ‘rough diamond’ in La Liga, the 23-year-old is a work in progress for Villarreal, though, as with any player who has come through the Barcelona ranks, he is technically gifted.
Under the guidance of someone like Martinez at Everton, or Koeman at Southampton who have got the best out of quality players, Trigueros, who is best at home in an attacking playmaker role, will have a lot to offer, and could be available for as little as £5m. For this price, he is definitely worth a punt and could turn out to be the buy of the summer.
