The winter transfer window poses a difficult challenge for footballing clubs across Europe when comparing it to its summer counterpart.
Often seen as a slower window due to its shorter length and positioning mid-season, clubs will look to find players of value, especially with financial fair play rules looming overhead.
Whilst large amounts of cash are often reserved for their summer transfer business, the January window provides a perfect opportunity for teams to assess the needs of the squad and make worthy additions to their domestic and European campaigns.
Winter transfers can make all the difference, being the catalyst for a late UEFA Champions League qualification push or even escaping the threat of relegation for those at the foot of the table.
For La Liga this season we have observed an array of transfer activity, particularly highlighting the movement of younger stars to and from the top flight of Spanish football.
The following scout report and analysis will begin to highlight how these young players may fit in with the tactics of their new clubs, offering them the chance to hit the ground running and provide a breath of fresh air.
This tactical analysis will address a few notable additions and departures we have witnessed on the build-up to the February 1st deadline, including Granada’s revolving door in attack and Diego Simeone’s future-proofing midfield acquisition.
Bryan Zaragoza Scouting Report
After a formidable start to the season with Granada and asserting himself as their talismanic presence within the final third, Bryan Zaragoza was undoubtedly on the radar of the European elite.
After signing with Bayern Munich in December for a reported €15 million, the plan was that the 22 y/o Zaragoza would continue at Granada until the summer, aiding them in their battle for La Liga survival.
But will we see Zaragoza in the colours of Die Roten earlier than anticipated?
Struck down with injuries to the likes of Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, Bayern are looking to accelerate their signing of the young Spaniard to bolster their current deficiencies in the left-winger department.
This provides a perfect opportunity for Bryan Zaragoza to step right into Thomas Tuchel’s side and provide a significant contribution whilst hot on the heels of Bayer Leverkusen.
So how will the winger look to make an impact and slot into this Bayern system?
Zaragoza has emerged onto the scene in a big way, displaying his technical prowess and explosive movement in the attacking phase.
His 7.09 take-ons and 5.49 progressive carries per 90 are indicative of his desire to utilise his dribbling ability to create goal-scoring actions, having notched six goals already in a struggling Granada side.
His attacking versatility is a match made in heaven for Tuchel, with proficiency in every position across the attacking midfield.
It will be interesting how he adapts to the physicality of the Bundesliga, being relatively small in stature at just 5’5” and raising reasonable concerns regarding his ability to defend in transition when compared to the refined talents in the current side.
The creative elements of his game have often been underwhelming, emphasised by his underperformance in assisted goals (2) compared to his xA of 3.3.
