After about a week of rumours, it has become official — Bayern Munich has loaned Bryan Zaragoza to Espanyol for the 2026/27 season. The Spanish winger returns to the familiar surroundings of La Liga, hoping a fresh start at the Catalan club can finally kick-start a career that has stalled badly since his January 2024 arrival in Munich.
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Official Confirmation
FC Bayern Munich have officially sent Bryan Zaragoza out on loan to RCD Espanyol until the end of the 2026-27 season. The Spaniard, who has been under contract at the club since the 2023-24 season, was most recently on loan at AS Roma.
The Transfer at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Bryan Zaragoza |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Position | Winger |
| From | FC Bayern Munich |
| To | RCD Espanyol |
| Deal Type | Season-Long Loan |
| Purchase Option | €8 Million (Mandatory if Conditions Met) |
| Potential Contract at Espanyol | Until 2032 |
| Bayern’s Original Fee (from Granada) | €13 Million |
| Previous Loan Fees Generated | €3.25 Million (across three spells) |
What Bayern’s Sporting Director Said
“Bryan has gained a wealth of experience at his various clubs over the past two years and is now set to continue his development in La Liga. It’s an environment he’s also very familiar with,” explained FC Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund after the deal was sealed.
The Option to Buy
Espanyol have confirmed the inclusion of a purchase option, while Transfermarkt reports that an €8m clause becomes mandatory should certain conditions be fulfilled. The 24-year-old could subsequently sign a long-term contract through 2032.
For Bayern Munich, the potential €8 million fee is not a massive return on the investment made for Zaragoza, but getting his salary off the books and creating a path toward a permanent transfer could still be viewed positively.
Why the Bayern Spell Failed
Zaragoza arrived from Granada in January 2024, six months ahead of the previously agreed transfer date, after bursting onto the scene in La Liga. However, the 24-year-old struggled to break into Bayern’s star-studded attack, making just seven Bundesliga appearances before successive loan spells at Osasuna, Celta Vigo and Roma.
Thomas Tuchel initially gave the winter 2024 arrival seven senior appearances, but the subsequent appointment of Kompany and signing of Michael Olise dramatically reduced his prospects.
A potential permanent move to Italy then collapsed after knee problems limited his opportunities.
Zaragoza departs Munich having made only seven competitive appearances and accumulated 171 minutes without registering a goal or assist.
Zaragoza’s Career Path
| Club | Type |
|---|---|
| Granada CF | Permanent (Until Jan 2024) |
| FC Bayern Munich | Permanent (Jan 2024–) |
| CA Osasuna | Loan |
| Celta Vigo | Loan |
| AS Roma | Loan |
| RCD Espanyol | Loan (2026–27) |
What Zaragoza Brings to Espanyol
Operating from the left on his stronger right foot, Zaragoza offers one-v-one threat and service into the box. His blend of off-the-ball sprints and progressive carries should stretch backlines, while 18 La Liga key passes last season point to reliable chance creation. Espanyol gain a winger who can commit defenders, win penalties and maintain tempo in wide areas — useful qualities for breaking stubborn La Liga blocks.
The winger brings pace, dribbling and end-product after 32 appearances across La Liga, Serie A and the Europa League.
The Bigger Picture for Bayern
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have confirmed a fourth loan out for the Spanish winger.
The 24-year-old was not considered a key component of Enzo Maresca’s squad and has therefore been offloaded to Catalan club Espanyol.
Bayern originally paid Granada approximately €13m for Zaragoza in 2024. The German champions have at least recouped some of that investment through a succession of temporary moves, with loan spells at Osasuna, Celta Vigo and Roma reportedly generating €3.25m before his latest departure.
A Final Chance to Find a Permanent Home
Espanyol now represent another attempt to transform a temporary departure into a permanent solution.
For Zaragoza, Espanyol represents another chance to rebuild his career in La Liga. If he can stay healthy, find consistent playing time, and meet the appearance requirements, the loan could ultimately become a permanent move.
FAQs
Has Bryan Zaragoza’s move to Espanyol been officially confirmed?
Yes. FC Bayern Munich have officially sent Bryan Zaragoza out on loan to RCD Espanyol until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Is there a purchase option in the deal?
Espanyol have confirmed the inclusion of a purchase option, while Transfermarkt reports that an €8m clause becomes mandatory should certain conditions be fulfilled. The 24-year-old could subsequently sign a long-term contract through 2032.
How many appearances did Zaragoza make for Bayern Munich?
Zaragoza departs Munich having made only seven competitive appearances and accumulated 171 minutes without registering a goal or assist.
What previous loan spells did Zaragoza have before Espanyol?
Zaragoza arrived in Munich from Granada in the winter of 2024, but ultimately struggled to break into the starting lineup. After seven appearances for the first team, he initially went out on loan to Osasuna, then to Celta Vigo and then Roma.
What does this move mean for Zaragoza’s career?
For Zaragoza, Espanyol represents another chance to rebuild his career in La Liga. If he can stay healthy, find consistent playing time, and meet the appearance requirements, the loan could ultimately become a permanent move.
