According to Romano, Zaragoza is set to move from Bayern Munich to Espanyol on loan, with the agreement including an €8 million option to buy that could become mandatory if he reaches a specified number of appearances during the season.
The transfer is expected to be completed on a temporary basis initially, rather than as an immediate permanent move. Espanyol will have the opportunity to sign Zaragoza permanently for €8m, although the clause is not guaranteed to remain optional throughout the campaign.
Its status will depend on how often Zaragoza plays for Espanyol. If he makes the required number of appearances, the purchase clause could be activated automatically and become mandatory. The source does not specify the exact appearance threshold.
The structure of the deal has been agreed because of financial fair play regulations. Instead of Barcelona? No, the source only identifies Bayern Munich and Espanyol, and the arrangement is specifically described as a consequence of those financial restrictions.
For Bayern Munich, the agreement provides a route for Zaragoza to leave on loan while retaining the possibility of an €8m transfer fee. For Espanyol, it allows the club to take the player initially without committing immediately to a permanent transfer, with that position potentially changing depending on his involvement.
The move therefore contains two stages: an initial loan and a possible permanent transfer. The €8m figure applies to the buy option, while the appearance-based condition determines whether Espanyol will ultimately be required to complete the deal.
Romano reported the details on 25 August. No further information has been provided about the length of the loan beyond the fact that it covers the current season, or about the precise number of appearances needed for the clause to become compulsory.
The agreement remains centred on Zaragoza’s participation. His selection and playing time will be significant not only for Espanyol’s season but also for the final financial outcome of the transfer. Until the appearance condition is met, the €8m clause remains an option rather than an automatic obligation.
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