After a few weeks of tortuous negotiations, Monterrey made official the transfer of César Montes (25) to Espanyol for around 8 million euros. The center-back will undergo a medical examination in the coming days and will sign the contract that will unite the Catalan club for four seasons.
In a press release, Monterrey adds that Montes, Olympic bronze medalist with Mexico in Tokyo 2020, will travel to Spain this Monday to undergo medical examinations. "The formalization of the transfer is subject to Montes approving the medical protocol," explained the Rayados.
Montes came from the Rayados academy, a team he joined in 2014 and made his first-team debut in 2015. The defender helped the northern Mexican club win the 2019 Apertura league titles, two Concacaf champions leagues and two local drinks.
In addition, "Cachorro" Montes was named rookie of the year in 2016 of the Mexican championship and on August 2, 2015 he scored the first goal in the history of the Monterrey stadium, BBVA, which will host the World Cup in 2026.
In the Mexican national team, César Montes won the 2019 Gold Cup, was one of the leaders of the Tri's defense at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games, achieved third place in Tokyo and started all of Mexico's games in Qatar 2022 .
César Montes is seen as the central defender who will lead the Mexican team in the next World Cup, which Mexico will organize in 2026 together with the United States and Canada.
Espanyol receives a footballer who, despite his height (1.95 metres), is skillful with his footwork when starting from behind and who is solid through the air.
In 265 games with the Rayados, Montes scored 13 goals, dished out 10 assists, received 62 yellow cards and was sent off three times for double yellow cards.
