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No domestic league comes close to La Liga when it comes to housing the finest superstars in world football.
The Spanish top flight has served as home to the greatest names in the history of the sport for several years. Memories of players like Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo running riot in the division spring to mind.
La Liga has taken a step back after losing some big names in the last few years, but that certainly won't be for long. In fact, Spanish heavyweights are already pulling the strings as they look to make a few big-name additions to their squads next year.
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That means we could start witnessing some mind-blowing transfers in the Spanish top flight starting in January. On that note, here's a look at five superstars who could end up switching to La Liga in 2022:
#5 Matthijs De Ligt
Matthijs De Ligt's agent Mino Raiola has opened the door for his client to depart the Allianz Stadium at the end of the season. The Italian added fuel to speculation surrounding the player's future during a recent interview with NRC.
"He (De Ligt) is ready for a new step," the superagent was quoted as saying. "He thinks that too," Raiola added.
In another interview, Raiola named a few clubs his client could join. That includes La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
He said: "We can all think of the clubs that Matthijs could go to. That can be the Premier League, but also Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain."
It is worth noting that Matthijs De Ligt has been linked with a switch to the Spanish top flight since his breakthrough campaign with Ajax in 2018-19 campaign. As things stand, it is looking increasingly likely he could end up with either of the El Clasico giants next summer.
#4 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba has not yet extended his contract with Manchester United amid reports he's looking to complete a swoop to Real Madrid in the summer. According to multiple sources, the Frenchman intends to run down his contract with the Red Devils this term, and switch to La Liga as a free agent in 2022.
The 28-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Premier League giants across competitions so far this season. He has contributed seven assists, but is currently out injured. It remains to be seen what fate has in store for him.
#3 Raheem Sterling
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling is another big-name superstar who could end up making a switch to La Liga in 2022. The winger has been linked with a move to Barcelona in the last few weeks, and it looks like something could develop in the winter.
According to reports, Sterling is open to joining the Blaugrana as he looks forward to the next step in his career. It should be noted that the Englishman admitted he'd love to join a new club during an interview in October.
He said: “If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else, I would be open to that at this point in time. Football is the most important thing to me, challenges that I’ve set myself from a young age, and dreams as well, to be honest with you, to play abroad.
"As an English player all I know is the Premier League. and I have always thought one day I would love to play abroad and come up against that challenge."
#2 Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is heavily linked with a move to La Liga as the Borussia Dortmund striker prepares for the next big step in his career. Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be exploring the possibility of snapping up the Norwegian striker in 2022.
The player currently has a market value of €150 million, as per Transfermarkt. However, he could be sold for just half that figure, as his release clause is expected to drop to €75 million at the end of the campaign.
At just 21, Erling Haaland is already one of the biggest players in world football. The Norwegian has bagged 19 goals and five assists for BVB in 16 appearances across competitions so far this season.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe appears destined for a La Liga switch in 2022. The Frenchman's transfer to Real Madrid seems to be a matter of when and not if, with the two parties maintaining a keen interest in each other.
Los Blancos went very close to luring Kylian Mbappe to La Liga during the summer transfer window. However, Paris Saint-Germain refused to let go of their prized asset. According to reports, the Spanish giants could wait for the player's contract with the Parisians to expire next summer before signing him as a free agent.
