Despite high expectations early on, Bryan Zaragoza never managed to establish himself at FC Bayern. Two and a half years after signing with the club, he is therefore heading to his fourth loan destination—one that is expected to lead to a permanent departure.
CA Osasuna, Celta Vigo, AS Roma, and now Espanyol Barcelona: Bryan Zaragoza’s list of clubs whose jerseys he has worn and will wear—while technically still under contract with FC Bayern—has grown by one entry. At the Catalan club, the lively dribbler is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the wings and, in the best-case scenario, earn himself a permanent spot on the roster. This is supported by the buyout option that Espanyol, according to its own statements, has secured for the 24-year-old. According to consistent media reports, the transfer fee is likely to be around eight million euros.
“Bryan has gained a variety of experiences at his various clubs over the past two years,” Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund is quoted as saying: “He should now continue his development in the familiar environment of La Liga.”
No Future at FCB
Even at Säbener Straße, the hope is that he’ll prove himself at Zaragoza on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. After all, sporting director Max Eberl made it clear during preseason that the diminutive playmaker no longer has a future with the record champions. “They have a contract with FC Bayern—we have to respect that; we both signed it. Nevertheless, I believe that there is no future for these three at FC Bayern,” Eberl commented on the situation of Joao Palhinha, Sacha Boey, and Zaragoza.
Ideally, then, Zaragoza’s time with Bayern—which got off to a rocky start after just half a year on the Isar—will come to an end. After being brought in by Thomas Tuchel in early 2024 and seeing at least seven appearances in the second half of the season, his chances dwindled drastically following the signing of Vincent Kompany. The Belgian successfully advocated for the signing of Michael Olise—a move that, in hindsight, proved outstanding—who has emerged as one of the world’s best wingers at FCB.
Knee Problems Prevent Permanent Move to Roma
Even after an initial loan to CA Osasuna, there was no room for the Frenchman at Zaragoza, which is why he first moved to Celta Vigo last season—without much success—and then on to AS Roma in the winter. However, knee problems hampered Zaragoza’s time at Roma, which—like the Galician club—held a purchase option. As a result, hopes for more playing time and a permanent contract were dashed. That is why Zaragoza is making another attempt to find a new sporting home.
