Bayern Munich had decided early in the summer transfer window that Bryan Zaragoza didn’t have a future at the club. The Spaniard had spent the last two seasons on loan, so Bayern wanted to look for a permanent departure this summer.
Zaragoza spent the second half of last season on loan at AS Roma. He spent the majority of his time in Italy on the sidelines due to injury. His injury rehabilitation continued in the summer. The Spanish winger was completing the recovery process at Sabner Strasse. He was not included in the squad that travelled to Asia for the pre-season tour.
The former Granada winger wanted to seal a move back to La Liga. There was interest from Espanyol and Sevilla, but Die Roten never received bids for a permanent transfer. When the transfer window was coming to a close, Bayern opened the doors for a loan departure with some sort of mechanism to make the move permanent next summer.
Espanyol struck a deal with Die Roten on an initial season-long loan with an obligation to buy for €8 million next summer if some conditions are met. Reports from Spain have now shed light on conditions that may open the prospect of a permanent move to Espanyol.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the obligation to buy will be active if Espanyol stays in La Liga next season and Zaragoza plays a minimum of 45 minutes in 20 La Liga games this season. If both conditions are met, Zaragoza will sign a five-year contract with Espanyol next summer.
Zaragoza makes a good start to meet these clauses
In terms of Espanyol’s position in La Liga, they certainly need to improve to climb up the table. They are currently 15th after claiming seven points from seven games.
Meanwhile, Zaragoza has recovered from his injury woes. He has made four appearances in La Liga for Espanyol. In two of these four appearances, the Spaniard has played more than 45 minutes. The 25-year-old needs to play 45 minutes or more in 18 more games to ensure the game time condition is met.
Zaragoza is likely to play regularly after the international break. He has excelled in La Liga during his career. The more he plays, the better Espanyol’s chances of staying up in La Liga. Die Roten will hope both conditions are met, as he is not part of Vincent Kompany’s plans irrespective of how he fares for Espanyol this season.
Stats courtesy- Whoscored
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