Analysis of La Liga Transfer Market's '9' Position: Discussion from Kike García to Mariano Díaz
La Liga Transfer Update: Striker Market Shows Cautious Spending
The summer transfer window in La Liga is in full swing, with teams making moves to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season. However, when it comes to the striker position, the spending has been somewhat cautious compared to other areas of the pitch.
Mariano Díaz's good performance in friendly matches has earned him a place in Eduardo Coudet's team at Alavés, after beginning a trial at the club at the start of the summer. The Spanish forward is looking to redeem himself after a disappointing spell at Real Madrid and a testimonial one at Sevilla.
Barcelona have made a notable move in the striker market, signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan from Manchester United with a €30 million buy option. Rashford adds depth to Barcelona's attack after their targets Luis Diaz and Nico Williams did not arrive. Rashford, who has had a mixed 2025 with loan spells earlier in the year, could become an important player if he regains form.
Napoli’s Italian forward Giacomo Raspadori joined a La Liga side for €22 million, indicating continued investment in promising young forwards in the league. However, Barcelona's main summer signing emphasis has been on long-term talent like Lamine Yamal, a young forward under a long-term contract, and defensive and goalkeeping upgrades. Atletico Madrid also prioritized midfield and defense, with their only significant signing being Johnny Cardoso for €24m.
Real Oviedo has signed two strikers this summer, with Salomon Rondón returning to the Spanish league after his spell at Euro Málaga more than a decade ago. The 35-year-old Venezuelan forward will join forces with Álex Forés, who arrived at Levante in the past winter market and helped the team achieve promotion with his 5 goals.
The search for a striker in La Liga can be complicated by economic difficulties, with only 7 teams having moved so far to sign forwards. Many more are expected to sign an attacker before the market closes on September 1. Celta Vigo has signed Ferran Jutglà for 5 million, while Real Betis has spent 6 million on Gonzalo Petit from Nacional.
Espanyol was the first team to make a move in the center forward market, with the sports management paying 6.2 million to Sporting de Braga for 50% of Roberto Fernández's pass. Kike García, a veteran striker, has also joined Espanyol from Deportivo Alavés, while Kike García, who has played in the first division for ten consecutive seasons, has signed with the club from Real Betis.
The race for the goal continues and does not wait for anyone in La Liga, with the number 9 position being one of the most sought-after in the summer transfer market. As the window draws to a close, it will be interesting to see which teams can find the right striker to help them secure success in the upcoming season.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The average spending on strikers in La Liga has been more cautious compared to other positions, with only a few big-money signings like Giacomo Raspadori and Salomon Rondón. Despite this, the search for a capable forward continues, as teams aim to secure success for the upcoming season.
In the goals race, football fans may see an influx of new faces before the transfer window closes, as many La Liga clubs are still looking to bolster their attack.
