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Bryan Zaragoza will play for FC Bayern in the future

Photo: Samuel Carreno / IMAGO

FC Bayern Munich have strengthened their squad for the new season with the signing of Spanish attacking talent Bryan Zaragoza. The 22-year-old is moving from Granada to the Bundesliga, the German record champions announced. Bayern have signed the winger to a five-year contract until June 2029.

"Bryan is one of the high-flyers in Spain and has been on our radar for a long time. He will expand our attacking options," said Bayern's sporting director Christoph Freund, adding: "Bryan Zaragoza is a strong, very fast and extremely agile winger who can be used on both sides. He's unpredictable, dangerous in front of goal and very good in one-on-one situations."

The 1.64m tall Zaragoza made his debut for the Spanish national team in October and is one of the positive surprises of the season in the league. Zaragoza, who can also play in the centre, has made 51 competitive appearances for Granada so far. He scored ten goals and provided three assists – five goals and two assists this season alone. Granada are currently at the bottom of the table in the Spanish league.

Leipzig and Brentford come away empty-handed

Bayern did not disclose financial details of the transfer. In the media reports, there is talk of a transfer fee of 15 million euros, which is even higher than the transfer fee of 14 million euros fixed in an exit clause. Spanish broadcaster El Chiringuito TV first reported on the deal.

English Premier League club FC Brentford were also considered interested. Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig also reportedly wanted to bring in the winger as a successor to Swede Emil Forsberg, who moved to New York in the winter. The Sweden international is one of the identification figures of the cup winners and has been in Leipzig since January 2015. He wants to end his career in New York.

ast/dpa