Bayer Leverkusen Expresses Interest in Elías Montiel Amidst Ajax Competition
Bayer Leverkusen is showing keen interest in 20-year-old Mexican midfielder Elías Montiel, a promising talent who has also attracted attention from Dutch giants Ajax. This development was confirmed by Pachuca president Armando Martínez, shedding light on the rising star’s potential and the ongoing transfer considerations involving European clubs.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Interest in Elías Montiel: Beyond On-Field Skills
The German club’s approach to Elías Montiel has been notable, extending beyond just evaluating his gameplay. Jan Westerhof, who coached Montiel during his time at Pachuca’s youth academy, provided insights into Leverkusen’s inquiries when speaking to the Mexican branch of ESPN. According to Westerhof, Bayer Leverkusen’s questions focused primarily on Montiel’s personality traits rather than purely on his technical or tactical abilities on the pitch.
This focus on temperament and character suggests that Leverkusen is looking for a player who can adapt well both on and off the field, a crucial factor in the Bundesliga’s competitive and often physically demanding environment. Westerhof’s comments highlight the importance clubs place on a player’s mental and emotional resilience, especially when transitioning to a foreign league.
Why Elías Montiel’s Transfer to the Bundesliga Might Be Premature
Despite the growing interest from Leverkusen, Westerhof expressed caution regarding an immediate move to Germany. He views the Bundesliga as an “enormous step” for Montiel at this stage in his career. The Bundesliga is known for its high-intensity matches featuring physically imposing and mentally strong players, which can present significant challenges for young Latin American footballers still adapting to European football culture and lifestyle.
Westerhof’s recommendation is for Montiel to first consider a transfer to the Netherlands, possibly with Ajax, which has been heavily linked to the young Mexican midfielder. The Dutch Eredivisie is often viewed as a more suitable platform for developing players, offering opportunities to refine technical skills and acclimatize gradually to European football’s physical and tactical demands. This intermediate step is designed to help Montiel grow both physically and professionally before taking on the rigors of a league like the Bundesliga.
Ajax as an Ideal Intermediate Step
Ajax’s reputation as a nurturing ground for young talents aligns well with Westerhof’s advice. The club has a long history of successfully integrating Latin American players into European football, offering quality coaching and a supportive environment. This could provide Montiel with the necessary foundation to adapt to a new continent’s footballing and cultural expectations.
The move to the Netherlands would allow Montiel to showcase his skills, gain consistent playing time, and make incremental progress in his physical development. It would also offer the opportunity to boost his market value and experience in European competitions, thereby preparing him for a potential future transfer to a more demanding league such as the Bundesliga.
Elías Montiel’s Market Value and Potential Transfer Outlook
According to Transfermarkt, Elías Montiel currently holds a market value of approximately €5.50 million. This valuation reflects his talent and prospects as a young midfielder capable of evolving into a highly valuable asset. His performances at Pachuca have evidently caught the eyes of European recruiters, highlighting the increasing trend of Mexican players making a move abroad to enhance their careers.
This financial figure suggests that while Montiel is seen as an investment for the future, clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax recognize his developmental needs and the strategic planning necessary for his growth as a footballer. The competitive nature of bidding for such talents means that Montiel’s next career step must be carefully chosen to maximize his potential and long-term success.
Conclusion
Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in Elías Montiel exemplifies the growing appeal of young Mexican talents in Europe’s top leagues. However, the insights shared by Jan Westerhof underline the importance of a well-planned career path, prioritizing the player’s overall development rather than rushing into high-pressure environments. With Ajax positioned as a favorable intermediate destination, Montiel’s journey to becoming a top-tier midfielder could be gradual yet highly promising. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether he takes the step towards the Eredivisie first or dives directly into the Bundesliga challenge. Regardless, the buzz around this young midfielder confirms his bright future in international football.
One small anecdote that’s kind of amusing, though minor:
■There’s a short clip where while he was in class, his phone rang… and it was Pachuca calling him up to join the first team. So imagine being in class, your phone rings, and it’s your club saying “hey, pack your bags.
■Also, he scored his first Club World Cup goal against Real Madrid, which itself must have been quite surreal — I’m sure he and his teammates got a big laugh or shock over that moment.
