La Liga is enduring one of its most turbulent summers in recent memory. In just two months since the season’s end, Spanish top-flight clubs have seen their combined market value fall by over €166 million. The summer transfer window has not only witnessed the departure of star players to foreign leagues but also exposed a widening gap between the league’s giants and the rest of the competition.
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A Summer of Talent Drain
Spanish football’s talent drain is nothing new, but the 2025 summer transfer window has amplified the issue. According to Transfermarkt data, La Liga squads have collectively lost €166.15 million in market value since the close of last season.
When Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid are excluded from the calculations, the picture turns even bleaker — the other 17 clubs combined have seen a staggering €298.35 million in value vanish.
The Biggest Losers: Real Sociedad & Valencia
Two historic clubs have borne the brunt of this summer’s exodus:
Valencia – The Mestalla outfit’s market value has plunged by €77.60 million following the exits of promising youngsters like Cristhian Mosquera and Yarek Gasiorowski, along with high-profile departures such as Mamardashvili and Barrenechea.
Real Sociedad – The Basque side has suffered the single largest drop in squad valuation, losing €117.8 million. A key factor was the departure of Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal, coupled with a decline in form that reduced the value of existing players.
Biggest Market Value Losses in La Liga (Summer 2025)
| Club | Market Value Loss (€M) |
|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | 117.80 |
| Valencia | 77.60 |
| Girona | 50.60 |
| Sevilla | 22.10 |
| Others Combined | 30.05 |
Loans Return, Value Drops
A significant portion of La Liga’s value loss comes from loaned players returning to their parent clubs. Stars like Bryan Gil (Girona), Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad), and Marash Kumbulla (Espanyol) have all departed, stripping their temporary teams of crucial market worth.
Even in cases where players remain in Spain, such as Bryan Zaragoza moving from Osasuna to Celta Vigo, their transfers have reshuffled value rather than increased it.
Poor Performances Compound the Problem
On-field struggles have further diminished valuations. Clubs like Girona, despite Champions League participation, underperformed in the latter part of the season. Key players such as Miguel Gutiérrez and Viktor Tsygankov saw their valuations tumble. Sevilla, meanwhile, continued a downward trend with another disappointing campaign, losing €22.10 million in squad value.
Bright Spots Amid the Gloom
Not every story in La Liga this summer is negative.
- Barcelona – The reigning champions have enjoyed a €107.20 million boost in squad value, largely thanks to an exceptional season and marquee signings like Marcus Rashford and Joan García.
- Atlético Madrid – The Rojiblancos’ €63 million increase reflects strategic recruitment, with top-rated arrivals like Álex Baena and Thiago Almada.
- Levante & Celta Vigo – Levante’s promotion doubled their squad value, while Celta’s €21.70 million jump was boosted by Zaragoza’s signing.
Biggest Market Value Gains in La Liga (Summer 2025)
| Club | Market Value Gain (€M) |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 107.20 |
| Atlético Madrid | 63.00 |
| Levante | N/A (Promotion boost) |
| Celta Vigo | 21.70 |
| Getafe | 9.75 |
La Liga’s Transfer Reality Check
This summer’s figures reveal a widening economic chasm in Spanish football. While elite clubs continue to grow through strategic transfers and strong performances, mid-tier and smaller clubs are hemorrhaging talent without adequate reinvestment.
If the trend continues, La Liga risks becoming increasingly unbalanced, with a smaller pool of competitive teams challenging for top honors. The coming months will be crucial as clubs look to rebuild before the new season kicks off.
Read More: Barcelona’s Gavi Sends Warning: “Of Course Madrid Is Worried”
FAQs
Why has La Liga’s market value dropped so much this summer?
Primarily due to high-profile player sales abroad and the return of valuable loanees to their parent clubs.
Which club suffered the biggest loss in value?
Real Sociedad, with a €117.8 million decrease in market valuation.
Are any La Liga clubs increasing their value?
Yes, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Celta Vigo, and Levante have all seen notable gains.
How much value did La Liga lose excluding the top three clubs?
The remaining 17 clubs lost a combined €298.35 million.
Could the situation improve before the transfer window closes?
Yes, but it would require strategic signings and retention of top talents.
