Newcastle United has spent much of the summer targeting young players with significant development potential, and another highly rated teenager has apparently landed on the Magpies’ radar.
Matthias Jaissle’s squad has already been reinforced with several players aged 21 or younger, but Newcastle seems to keep focused on finding opportunities beyond the immediate needs of the first team.
According to Globo Esporte’s Letícia Marques, that search has now extended to South America and Botafogo midfielder
Alvaro Montoro.
Per Marques, Newcastle is among seven clubs to have shown interest in the 19-year-old Argentine, alongside AC Milan, Ajax, Sporting CP, Real Betis, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atlanta United.
“The list of clubs interested in Montoro is long: Atlanta United, Betis, Milan, Newcastle, Ajax, Sporting, and Wolverhampton,” Marques reported. “There were indications of an offer in the region of 20 million euros. However, negotiations did not advance due to Botafogo’s decision to keep the player at this time.”
According to Marques, most clubs from the old continent valued Montoro at around €20 million (£17.3 million), but Botafogo has already decided that the youngster will not leave during the current transfer window. In fact, the Brazilian club must believe Montoro is worth more than that figure, having already rejected a proposal at that level from another South American club.
Marques reported that Botafogo initially intended to sell Montoro and Danilo during the first half of the year amid financial difficulties, but the arrival of GDA as a new investor in the club changed those plans. Now, Botafogo is in a stronger financial position that should allow it to retain both players until at least the end of the Brazilian season.
However, that does not necessarily end Newcastle’s chances of eventually landing Montoro. It’s believed the Argentine teenager wants to play in Europe and his representatives have been informed that Botafogo could reopen discussions over a departure once the domestic season finishes.
“The player is interested in playing in Europe, but understands the club’s decision not to negotiate his transfer at this time,” Marques reported.
Montoro joined Botafogo from Argentine side Vélez Sarsfield last year, and he has already produced six goals and seven assists across 59 appearances. Botafogo has also strengthened its negotiating position by re-signing him to a new contract lately, reportedly running through December 2030.
Would you like Newcastle to return for Montoro once Botafogo becomes willing to negotiate, even if his eventual price rises well beyond €20 million? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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