In the 1997–98 season Real Club Deportivo Mallorca competed in La Liga and Copa del Rey.

The club with the President Bartolome Beltran appointed on 10 July 1997, Argentinian head coach Héctor Cúper from Lanús as its new manager,[1] winning the spot ahead of Portuguese José Mourinho.

[2] After winning the relegation playoff defeating Rayo Vallecano and Cuper secured, Beltran announced several transfers in for the La Liga newcomer team: Brazilian attacking midfielder Palhinha (1994 FIFA World Cup Champion) arrived from Cruzeiro, Brazilian right back Ivan Rocha and Argentinian striker Gabriel Amato from Hércules CF.

[3] Also, Beltran negotiated six transfers from Valencia CF[4] due to these players were discarded by Argentinian coach Jorge Valdano: left back Enrique Romero, defensive midfielder Vicente Engonga, Galvez, striker Moya, central back Iván Campo and midfielder Xabier Eskurza.

Two more incorporations attacking midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron from UD Las Palmas[5] and left winger Jovan Stankovic from CD Logroñés,[6] both players arrived to the club after the few chances of play in their former teams.