RCD Espanyol finalized their squad for the season with two significant signings on transfer deadline day. The club presented right-back Andoni Gorosabel, aged 30, and winger Bryan Zaragoza, aged 24, as reported by Mundo Deportivo this Wednesday. Both players signed five-season contracts running until June 30, 2032, and join a team sitting 12th in La Liga with 3 points from three matches.
Gorosabel arrives on loan from Athletic Club with an option to buy subject to objectives. His entire career has been spent in the Basque Country, featuring for Real Sociedad, Deportivo Alavés, and finally Athletic. The player expressed excitement about the move. "It's a small change but I face it with excitement, with a desire to get to know another city, another fanbase, another club," he stated. His integration will be gradual, however, as he is currently listed among the club's injuries following an adductor problem that disrupted his pre-season rhythm.
What does Bryan Zaragoza bring to the attack?
Bryan Zaragoza is considered the star signing of the season for Espanyol. The winger joins on loan from Bayern Munich, with an obligation to buy for eight million euros at the end of the campaign. Zaragoza has had a complicated year, with loan spells at Celta Vigo until January and then at Roma, following a previous stint at Osasuna. The player admitted his pre-season was not easy due to knee inflammation carried over from last season, but he claims to be ready. "I've been training for over a month and I hope to be available for Sunday's match," he said.
The Malaga-born player highlighted that Espanyol's system, which uses wingers on the flanks, suits his characteristics. "I'm happy that Espanyol will play with a winger on the flank, which is where I can play and enjoy myself," he noted. Zaragoza, who will inherit the number 15 jersey previously worn by Miguel Rubio, also sent a message to the fans: "I hope to score many goals against all teams, and if it's against Barcelona, even better."
How do they fit into this season's squad?
The arrival of both players addresses specific needs in the manager's setup. Gorosabel will take the number 2 shirt, vacated by Rubén Sánchez following his transfer to Elche. The Basque full-back pointed out that this season the starting right-back is Omar El Hilali, not Roger Hinojo, who plays on the left. Gorosabel added that he feels comfortable playing higher up the pitch, a versatility that could prove useful. For his part, Zaragoza is seeking stability after several years of loan moves. "I need to have stability, to be at a club for a while. I think Espanyol is ideal, that's why I came here." he expressed.
The Periquitos face a key match this Sunday at 21:00 at the RCDE Stadium. They host Sevilla, sixth in the table, in an important fixture to improve a league position that sees them six points behind leaders Barcelona. Espanyol has scored 5 goals and conceded 4 so far in the league, with a record of one win and two losses. Full details of the updated squad are available on the club's site.
What is the immediate next challenge?
The potential debut of Zaragoza and the future integration of Gorosabel come at a time when points are needed. The team aims to correct its course after an irregular start to the championship. The match against Sevilla represents an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of these reinforcements and add points for the standings. The purchase obligation for Zaragoza, set at eight million, reflects the club's long-term commitment to the player. Gorosabel, meanwhile, must regain his full fitness to compete for a place in a defense that has shown some solidity, conceding only four goals. Sunday's match on September 6th will be the first test for these new pieces in the RCD Espanyol project.
