The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh look to a team that emerged battered and bruised from a domestic season dominated by bitter rivals Barcelona.

La Liga have confirmed there will be no change to the start date of the 2025/26 season despite rumoured objections from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Both sides are facing a marathon summer as they head into the new campaign on the back of competing at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Huijsen joined in a £50million deal from Bournemouth and will line up in a new-look defence alongside Alexander-Arnold.