Bryan Zaragoza Confirms Barcelona Talks Before Bayern Munich Move

Bryan Zaragoza has confirmed that Barcelona held talks over a possible move before he joined Bayern Munich, with the Spain winger admitting there were contacts with the Catalan club.

The 25-year-old had become one of Granada’s most closely watched players after his breakout in La Liga, drawing attention from several leading European sides. Bayern signed him during the January 2024 window, but Barcelona had also explored a deal.

Quick facts

• Zaragoza says Barcelona made contact before his Bayern Munich move.
• He was considered again in the summer as Barcelona assessed alternatives to Nico Williams.
• The winger instead moved to Espanyol on loan.
• His standout Granada display against Barcelona helped raise his profile.
• Zaragoza says Lionel Messi is his football idol and describes Lamine Yamal as a friend.

Speaking about the earlier negotiations, Zaragoza said a Barça transfer was a genuine possibility, although an agreement was never completed. He said reports of discussions before his Bayern switch had reflected the situation accurately.

Barcelona revisited Zaragoza as an option during the summer while considering alternatives to Athletic Club forward Nico Williams. No transfer followed, and Zaragoza joined Espanyol, Barcelona’s city rivals, on loan instead.

The winger’s rise accelerated after an eye-catching performance for Granada against Barcelona. Zaragoza said he had been relatively unknown before that match and believes it was unusual to produce such a display against the Catalan side.

His comments on Barcelona may attract attention at Espanyol, where the derby rivalry remains particularly sensitive. The club’s sporting director recently had to apologise publicly after expressing support for Yamal in the Ballon d’Or race.

Zaragoza also spoke warmly of Barcelona’s leading figures. He named Messi as both his idol and the game’s best player, while adding that he had also admired Neymar.

He has a close relationship with Yamal from their time with Spain. Zaragoza said the pair get on very well, have spent holidays together and are friends away from international duty.

For Zaragoza, the immediate task is to make his impact at Espanyol. Goals and assists in the La Liga campaign would offer the clearest way to establish himself with supporters despite his acknowledged admiration for the club’s cross-city opponents.