Montes has a release clause of 15 million euros, but he could leave for half that, because his agents agreed with Monterrey to let him go for about 8 million. With 261 games under his belt, Montes is considered one of the best players in the squad. Espanyol began negotiating for the burly center back (1.95 meters tall) a week before the transfer window closed on August 26, after negotiations between the Mexican club and Dinamo broke down from Moscow
The white-and-blue offer consisted of a transfer with an option to buy, while Monterrey were adamant about asking for a transfer. At that time Espanyol could not assume the figures they were asking for. Now, after the small economic boost received with the departure of RDT, yes he will be able to do it. Montes will be the priority of the sports management in the next winter market. But he won’t be the only player to arrive. However, other names such as Luis Rioja or Denis Suárez, who were discussed in the summer, do not have evidence, for now, that Espanyol wants to make an effort for them in January.
The conditioning of the World Cup
The environment of César Montes is confident that Monterrey will keep the verbal agreement they reached when the central renewed in 2021: to facilitate his departure in exchange for the agreed price. Espanyol sources have assured ARA that there has been no new approach with Monterrey after September 1. A version that confirms the environment of the player, who admits that they will try to reopen talks with the two clubs in the coming days: “If Espanyol wants, there is an operation”. His incorporation could be profitable both in the sporting field and also economically for Espanyol: “Mexican defenders are very sought after, because there are few of their level, and any of the greats in Mexico would pay to get him back” , point out sources close to the player. It is not ruled out that Monterrey can save a buyback option for the future to avoid seeing him in a different shirt in his country of origin.
Now, the parties are aware of the importance of closing the negotiations before the World Cup starts in November. It will be the first World Cup match for Montes, who hopes to revalue himself despite having the difficult role of wiping out Robert Lewandowski’s Poland and Leo Messi’s Argentina. Montes is one of the leaders of the Monterrey defense and of the Mexico national team, which, since 2019, has been managed by ex-Blaugrana Gerardo Tata Martino.
This same summer, in fact, the central defender came under criticism from the current Mexican coach after drawing against Jamaica in a Concacaf League of Nations match and having disappointing results in other friendlies. at the gates of the World Cup. “In the national team there is a fairly strong group that supports the coaching staff and we have to show it on the field. It may not be noticeable from the outside, but inside there is a very united group”, said Montes. Martino restored his confidence by giving him the captain’s armband in the last two games he played. Montes, therefore, could very soon drag Tata Martino to Cornellà-El Prat to see him live.
