RCD Espanyol is targeting Bryan Zaragoza as a winger replacement after Antoniu Roca’s departure. Sporting director Monchi is preparing an offer to Bayern Munich to sign the 24-year-old on loan, though talks remain at an early stage as of 24 July 2026, with the player fielding over ten European offers.
The Málaga-born attacker wants to return to LaLiga after his loans at Celta and Roma. Yet his €4 million-per-season wage bill stands as a major hurdle for Espanyol’s finances. Bayern no longer includes him in Vincent Kompany’s plans and is open to offloading him, but Zaragoza’s contract runs until June 2029.
Why does Monchi want Bryan Zaragoza?
Zaragoza fits the profile Espanyol needs: a rapid, vertical winger with dribbling ability. Monchi is prioritising such profiles to bolster the attack of a side that finished 11th last season with 46 points from 12 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses across 38 games, and a recent run of DWWLL.
The blanquiazul lost right-back Antoniu Roca, opening a spot on the wings. Zaragoza could fill it, but Bayern would demand Espanyol cover a large slice of his wages or the player accept a pay cut to make the deal viable. Sevilla are also tracking him, yet their financial constraints make a move to Nervión harder.
Why would Bayern consider a loan?
Bayern Munich no longer see Zaragoza in Vincent Kompany’s first-team plans. The Belgian manager has other targets in mind, so the club is open to letting him go. Espanyol could emerge as an option, yet his €4 million annual salary far exceeds the budget of a club like the blanquiazul.
A loan would only work if Bayern absorb a significant portion of his wages or Zaragoza agrees to a reduction. For now, Espanyol’s interest remains preliminary and his arrival is far from certain. With a contract until 2029 and over ten European offers on the table, the path to his signing is far from straightforward.
What’s next for Espanyol and Bryan Zaragoza?
The deal hinges on two key variables: Bayern’s willingness to subsidise the loan fee and Zaragoza’s readiness to lower his wages. Espanyol must fill Roca’s spot before the transfer window closes, yet competition is fierce. Sevilla, with deeper pockets, are also in the hunt, though their current financial situation makes a move less likely.
Espanyol enters the 2026-27 season having finished 11th last time out, scoring 43 goals and conceding 55 for a -12 goal difference. They sit 48 points behind leaders Barcelona, so every reinforcement matters. Zaragoza could be the answer, but the road to bringing him in is still packed with hurdles.
