Few things get football fans more excited than when the transfer window opens and new signings join their clubs. That moment at the beginning of each season when we believe any and every rumour we hear about, and then place all our faith on this new player we know very little about. Or maybe he previously played for a rival and animosity morphs into love from the first day he slips on our shirt, instantly becoming "one of us", a reference, an idol. In LaLiga Golazos we've made a selection of what have been some of the great additions of this season and the reasons why we have included them in our new Best of LLG 22/23 challenge. Now... who do you think has been the best signing in LaLiga?
Take Kubo (Real Sociedad):
Young Take Kubo has been, without a doubt, one of the best signings of the season - up there with Robert Lewandowski and a few others. At 22 years of age and with some fans questioning his ceiling after his loan spells at Villarreal and Mallorca, the Japanese attacker played an outstanding season in San Sebastian and became a key player for Imanol Alguacil's team, leading them to the highly-sought Champions League spot for next season at the Reale Arena. Nine goals and seven assists, starting from any of the positions in the Basque team's front line. Kubo has been a frequent presence in some of the greatest LaLiga Moments, such as his goal in ElDerbi Vasco, and now the Tier 1 reward in this Best of LLG Challenge. This one is very well deserved, don't you think?
Ayoze Pérez (Real Betis):
On his return to his home country, the Canary Islander quickly made himself a vital part of the talented Real Betis strikeforce despite having only arrived on loan in January. In what was his first experience in LaLiga, Ayoze Pérez fit Manuel Pellegrini's tactics like a glove. Playing the role of left winger or second striker, the former Newcastle and Leicester player contributed with 3 goals and 2 assists in the 19 games he played. But it was his understanding of the game that shone through, perfectly stepping into the shoes of the injured Betis star: Nabil Fekir. Free to move to any club this summer, Ayoze's performances will surely make Betis consider tying him down in Sevilla.
Predrag Rajković (CD Mallorca):
After an iffy year in goal, RCD Mallorca needed a fresh set of gloves in goal and opted for the services of the Serbian goalkeeper signed from Stade de Reims in Ligue 1. Less than a year later, Bermellon fans just cannot stop praising their new man in goal and can look back on a season where Rajković's performances were the highlights of the match. Countless were the days in which Rajković and his saves made sure that the good work done down the other end of the pitch by Muriqi, Kang In Lee, and company did not go to waste, securing the team many points in LaLiga. One of the ten teams with the fewest goals conceded in LaLiga, resulting in a midtable finish, well above the club's initial expectations for the season.
Cyle Larin (Real Valladolid):
Unlike the first two names in our list, the outcome of Real Valladolid's season did not reflect Cyle Larin's performances since his arrival in the winter transfer window. The Canadian striker hit the ground running in LaLiga and amassed 8 goals and 3 assists over the second half of the season. He didn't manage to keep the team up, but he sure made a valiant effort to do so, and for this hot streak we believe that he has been one of the greatest signings of the 22/23 season of LaLiga.
Théo Bongonda (Cádiz CF):
Talk about going under the radar! Théo Bongonda might not be at the top of everyone's mind, but the Congolese torched many of LaLiga's backlines over the course of the season. Unpredictable, combative, and decisive in the toughest moments for a Cádiz FC that was fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation. His brace against Valencia in a match akin to a final on Jornada 35 close his season's tally at 4 goals and 3 assists, but he did so much more than what those numbers tell. His performances absolutely make him a worthy name on our LLG list of Best Signings.
Taty Castellanos (Girona FC):
Mr. Poker is on the list! After some stellar years in the MLS, Taty Castellanos' first stint in Europe was nothing short of spectacular! Stepping into Michel's Montilivi to go head-to-head with fan-favourite Christian Stuani was never going to be easy, but my word did he step up to the challenge! Finishing the season with fantastic numbers (13 goals), he hit the pinnacle of football when he scored an unforgettable four goals against Real Madrid, etching his name in the LaLiga history books for all eternity. Looking back on such an amazing season, his spot in our list of Best Signings was guaranteed.
