Bayern Munich bring forward deal to sign Bryan Zaragoza from Granada
Bayern Munich have brought forward the signing of Spanish winger Bryan Zaragoza from Granada.
Bayern had already agreed to sign Zaragoza in summer 2024, but moved quickly to wrap up a deal for the 22-year-old winger following an injury to Kingsley Coman.
Zaragoza will initially move to the Allianz Arena on loan until the end of the 2023/24 season, before his five-year contract officially begins on 1 July 2024.
"You always have to be flexible," said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund after seeing through the accelerated move on deadline day. "We've reacted in response to the current situation. There were three parties involved, and we're delighted Bryan Zaragoza has joined us earlier than planned. He sees his future here, and his future starts now."
Zaragoza joined Granada's U19s in 2019 before spending a year on loan at Ejido in the third tier, prior to returning to Granada’s reserve team for the 2021/22 campaign. He soon broke into the Andalusians’ senior side, helping them back into the top flight with five goals and an assist in 34 appearances last season. The 22-year-old featured in all but one of their first 22 league outings of 2023/24, producing six goals and two assists, whilst winning his first senior cap for Spain.
"Bryan Zaragoza is an explosive, very quick and extremely nimble winger, who can play on either side. He’s unpredictable, can score and is very good one-v-one,” Freund said when the transfer was initially confirmed earlier this season. "He’s already made his senior debut for Spain this year and has a lot of potential. Bryan is one of Spain’s up-and-coming players and has been on our radar for a while. He’ll increase our attacking options."
Zaragoza could make his Bundesliga debut as soon as Saturday, when Bayern host Borussia Mönchengladbach. The attacker could also be a part of Spain’s squad for Euro 2024 in Germany. La Roja have group fixtures in Berlin, Gelsenkirchen and Düsseldorf in Group B.
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