Espanyol Skipped Payment to Rayados? What PSV Must Do Before Pursuing César Montes

Former CF Monterrey center-back César Montes left the Mexican club last winter transfer window after a quality showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The defender joined RCD Espanyol de Barcelona to begin his European journey.

It’s been months since Montes left Monterrey. Nonetheless, the Liga MX side has yet to receive any money for the agreed transfer. Diario ARA (h/t Football Transfers) reports that the Spanish club runs the risk of a lawsuit.

According to the report, Rayados’ potential lawsuit would be for non-payment brought to FIFA and claim that they have not received the first payment of $3 million (€2.7 million), agreed before the end of July. The information does suggest that Espanyol has agreed with Rayados to pay the amount in September.

The missed first payment is part of the $8 million (€7.3 million) that Espanyol has to pay for the transfer. However, perhaps the club didn’t expect to get relegated. 

If the Spaniards do not pay the corresponding payment, they could suffer the consequences of legal action by Rayados with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

Could César Montes move before the summer window closes?

It’s likely in Espanyol’s best interest to sell the player in these last hours before the summer transfer window closes. Montes’ entourage is reportedly pressuring the second-division side as a €10 million fixed offer from Almería was rejected. 

Meanwhile, there’s also interest from PSV Eindhoven, which would be the ideal landing spot since the Dutch club is in the UEFA Champions League. However, the situation isn’t black and white. 

Claro Sports’ Daniel Reyes Villaseñor reported on Thursday that PSV is interested in the former Rayados defender. Still, it’s a complicated situation, as they need to sell players to fund the pursuit likely. 

If the 26-year-old wants to move to the Netherlands, PSV must sell Ibrahim Sangaré and Johan Bakayoko. The good news is that both players are drawing interest from Premier League clubs. Nonetheless, the bad news is: Would there be enough time to swoop up Montes?

These last few hours will be a rollercoaster ride to see if the defender can join fellow Mexican international Hiriving Lozano, who is on the verge of returning to PSV.