Bayern Munich finished 2024 on a high note as they sit on the top of the table heading into Christmas celebrations. However, the entire year was rather topsy-turvy for the record champions. From parting ways with Thomas Tuchel and going trophyless for the first time in 11 years to signing a relegated Burnley’s Vincent Kompany as the new head coach, Bayern’s 2024 was anything but ordinary.
The club also facilitated the signings of six new players during the course of the year. Let’s look at all the players Bayern signed in 2024 and rank them from worst to best.
6. Bryan Zaragoza
Stats- 7 appearances (171 mins), 0 Goals, 0 Assists
Bayern Munich signed Bryan Zaragoza from La Liga side Granada CF in December 2023 for a reported fee of €15m. Although he was initially set to join the club at the start of the 2024/25 season, an injury to Kingsley Coman prompted Bayern to alter the terms of the deal and bring in the Spaniard as early as 1st February 2024.
Bryan Zaragoza was one of the best 1v1 wingers in Spain, noted for his nimble feet to take on and outpace opponents, however, these qualities didn’t quite translate in Germany. Zaragoza struggled to get game time at Bayern and delivered underwhelming performances whenever he came off the bench. Badly timed offside runs, poor decision-making, getting out-muscled in duels, everything about his game looked like a far cry from what was promised based on his performances in La Liga. The winger’s lack of understanding of German and English was another hindrance during his adaptation period in Bavaria, something which particularly annoyed Thomas Tuchel.
The 23-year-old failed to impress Vincent Kompany during pre-season and consequently he was sent on loan to Spanish side Osasuna so that the winger could regain his form and confidence in a familiar league. It remains uncertain whether Bayern sees a future for him at the club. Overall, this transfer has proven to be a failure and one that Bayern probably regret in hindsight.