Celtic are in the market for additions this summer and reports have now surfaced regarding a Mexico international who they could have the opportunity to explore acquiring.
This time of year is rife with speculation amid Brendan Rodgers’ desire to build on claiming a domestic double in 2023/24, and a whole host of individuals have been linked with a move to Parkhead.
Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah are both wanted back in Glasgow following successful loan spells this term. The former is believed to be keen on signing for Celtic permanently if Benfica are willing to sanction his exit.
Recently, Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen and Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham have also been cited as potential arrivals; however, both players will command hefty fees, so it remains to see whether there will be movement on either front.
Now, Celtic could have the chance to evaluate a swoop for a Mexico international following an admission from the agency that fronts up his interests.
Celtic touted as potential destination for Andres Montano
Andres Montano is a versatile midfielder on the books of Liga MX outfit Matazlan. The Mexico international has registered four goals and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term [Transfermarkt].
Speaking to ESPN Deportes, his agent Rafael Guillen, who forms part of EL C1EL0 Management, has explained that despite interest from a quartet of clubs in Mexico for his services, he and his client are keen to force through a switch to the Scottish Premiership this summer, with Celtic mooted as a potential destination.
He explained: “There are four teams that have approached Andrés and yes, one of them is Cruz Azul. We have had conversations with them, but we want Andres Montano to be able to make the leap to Europe due to his characteristics and because it is the goal we aim for.
“We think that Andres can play without problems for Celtic or for Rangers because of our closeness to them, but they are not the only ones.”
“The quality that Celtic and Rangers have: The Premier League is the number one league in the world, and there we already have Edson Alvarez and Raul Jimenez as Mexicans, but there are leagues like the Greek and the Portuguese, which have the points that are necessary to get to the English league, they don’t fit.
“And by being able to play with Rangers and Celtic after a year, he can be perfectly qualified to play in the Premier League. That is the jump we want for him. It is worth mentioning that there is a scoring system that you need to play in the English league, that depending on the league you come from, you cannot jump; that is why the Scottish league is the best bridge.
“There are five leagues that you can jump into more immediately: Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy and France, which have a higher level. The Scottish league has a lower level that would allow Andres to play more often. It wouldn’t help us to take the player to a league where he plays intermittently; what we want is for him to play, and in Scotland, Andrés can play plenty.
“That’s where we are putting our minds to bring him, and if it’s not Scotland, what we have in mind for him is Eredivisie, where we are starting to start talks.”
Celtic earmarked as an exciting destination for young players
It shouldn’t be surprising that agents want a slice of what Celtic can offer for their clients, with the opportunity to fight for silverware alongside playing in the Champions League bound to generate interest.
Working under an elite manager like Rodgers can’t be taken for granted either, given his record of elevating young talent through his career in the dugout.
At 22 years old, Montano would fit the recruitment model at Parkhead; however, it is unclear whether Celtic will look to take advantage of his prospective availability.