Bayern Munich’s Bryan Zaragoza reveals he was once close to Barcelona move

Bryan Zaragoza has revealed for the first time that he was previously in talks over a possible move to Barcelona.

The Spanish winger, who is currently on loan at Espanyol from Bayern Munich, discussed the key moments of his career, the unsettled period he has experienced in recent years and his difficult adjustment to life in Germany during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

Asked whether he had been close to joining Barcelona, Zaragoza said: “Yes, there was a possibility that I could sign for Barcelona. There were contacts.”

Zaragoza also reflected on the match he played for Granada against Barcelona, which became a defining moment in his career and brought him widespread attention.

“Some people say I became a footballer because of that one game,” he said. “I was a player nobody knew, and very few people produce that kind of performance against Barcelona.”

The 24-year-old admitted the past few years had been particularly difficult because he had struggled to find stability.

“I think they were tough years for me,” Zaragoza said. “I did not settle anywhere.”

Zaragoza defends Spanish football

Zaragoza also argued that Spanish football does not receive enough credit when compared with other leagues.

“I think that in Spain, we do not value ourselves as much as people think we should,” he said. “In other leagues there is a lot of money, while in Spain there is an excess of quality.”

He added: “The best players in the world are Spanish. I find it difficult to play abroad because they focus more on the physical side. It is different – in Spain there is more football and more quality.”

Zaragoza joined Bayern Munich but said he had no regrets about making the move, despite the personal and sporting challenges involved.

“I do not regret going to Bayern Munich. It was an important step,” he said. “I sat down at the table and thought I was in FIFA. I could see Neuer and Kimmich… I was coming from playing in the neighbourhood!”

The move required Zaragoza to adapt quickly at the age of 20, having never previously left his comfort zone.

“It was a very difficult step,” he said. “I was 20 years old, I had never left my comfort zone, then there was the language and the weather. And coming into a team with Musiala, Coman and Gnabry competing for your position was never easy.”

Zaragoza ended the interview by naming his footballing idols. He said Lionel Messi was his biggest inspiration and the best player, while Neymar had also been a major favourite.

“My role model and the best is Messi,” he said. “And I liked Neymar a lot.”