Four plotlines to consider as the big European leagues kicks off for another season

CHENNAI: Two of the world's most storied clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, commence their La Liga campaigns a week afterwards.

Key points

• Olise, Dembele, Mbappe – France's new 'Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite' Will anybody stop Inter's march?
• Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi are their eye-catching transfer but the signing of Rodri has probable been produced to create them standout in European ties.
• AC Milan signing Ruben Amorim is certainly an interesting plot twist after the dismal time he endured at United.
• Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich enjoyed a march to the title last year as none of the other major clubs even managed to secure near them.
• More importantly, they will have the familiar presence of Jose Mourinho the touchline.

After a frankly meh season at Real Madrid, they pulled out all the stops to obtain Vinicius Jnr to commit to a new contract against the backdrop of interest from Arsenal. More importantly, they will have the familiar presence of Jose Mourinho the touchline. Can the Portuguese legend inspire the club again? Will his coaching methodologies still carry heft at one of the world's greatest clubs? How will Kylian Mbappe line up with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius under Mourinho? What of Yan Diomande, the side's nine-figure acquisition in the off season? So plenty of questions await.

Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi are their eye-catching transfer but the signing of Rodri has probable been produced to create them standout in European ties. They have tried to purchase Julian Alvarez but Atletico Madrid have refused to come to the table so far. Last season, they almost coasted to the title but expect a stiffer challenge this year thanks to changes elsewhere. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have left the club and Marcus Rashford will not be coming back but their departures may not be felt.

Inter Milan cantered to the title last year and the smart funds is on them continuing the dominance this season as well provided they can retain the services of Lautaro Martinez. AC Milan signing Ruben Amorim is certainly an interesting plot twist after the dismal time he endured at United. There have been other coaching changes as well at other clubs. Will the highly-rated Cesc Fabregas continue catching the eye? Again, another league with a fair few questions but Inter remain the top dogs. Bayern remain the team to beat in Germany.

Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich enjoyed a march to the title last year as none of the other major clubs even managed to secure near them. Expect that status quo to continue this year as well as they have retained significant firepower in the form of Michael Olise and Harry Kane. In terms of significant additions, watch out for Ismael Saibari (Bayern), Konstantinos Karetsas (Dortmund). Leverkusen, who strode to the title in 2024, have lost most of their players from that team. Could be a major season for the German players as they will have the chance to impress new national team coach Jurgen Klopp.

In short, four plotlines to consider as the big European leagues kicks off for is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.