Exclusive: Man City bosses snap up wonderkid under Chelsea and Aston Villa's nose, may be another Savio
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Manchester City’s ownership group moved quickly to complete a deal for John Edwin Montano to keep the Colombian starlet out of the reach of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
After the success of Savio – now a regular in Pep Guardiola’s XI after an excellent loan spell at Girona – Manchester City are delving into the South American market again to secure the services of another exciting young attacker.
While Savio caught the eye with his dazzling displays for Atletico Nacional, it is in Colombia where John Edwin Montano has made a name for himself.
Montano, only 18 years of age, is contracted to Independiente Medellin, where he plays for the youth team.
But, with a host of Premier League rivals expressing their interest in the teenager, the City Football Group have fast-tracked a deal which could eventually see Montano follow in Savio’s sky blue footsteps.
John Edwin Montano to join Manchester City’s ownership group
Sources have confirmed to TBR that Man City’s parent company have held off strong interest to win the race for Montano. A long-term contract has been agreed. The Colombian U20 ace will put pen to paper officially in the next few weeks.
TBR can reveal that BlueCo – Chelsea’s ownership group – had held talks. Brentford, Brighton and Watford were also keen, while Aston Villa offered Montano a trial in the Midlands earlier in 2023.
Watford handed fellow Colombian and one-time Arsenal linked Yaser Asprilla his chance in English football. The gifted playmaker is now helping to fill a Savio-shaped hole at Girona.
Brighton have made excellent use of the South American market themselves. The Seagulls brought Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and co to The Amex.
As for Chelsea, the London giants have paid substantial sums for the likes of Kendry Paez, William Estavao and Deivid Washington – to name but three – since being taken over by Clearlake and Todd Boehly.
Chelsea will not get their mitts on Montano, however, with the City Football Group set to win the race. It has already been decided that the teenager, who can play in midfield and up front as well as out wide, will join Belgian outfit Lommel initially as he looks to make an impact this side of The Atlantic.
Lommel are also under the CFC umbrella, with Ibrahima Kebe joining from City’s Spain-based sister club Girona on loan recently.
Savio shows Man City making use of sister club connections
A smooth, confident ball-carrier who loves to run directly at the opposition backline, it is reported that Montano will change hands for a fee of £2.3 million.
Of course, while a first-team role at Manchester City will be something John Edwin Montano has earmarked for the future, he will first have to prove his worth elsewhere before the Premier League champions are tempted to look his way.
Though the rapid rise of Savio – a £30 million signing from sister club Troyes after two seasons at Girona – should give Montano reason to believe there could be a role for him at the Etihad later down the line.
"He's been really good," City’s superstar striker Erling Haaland said after Savio helped set up two goals in the 4-1 dismantling of Ipswich Town. “Of course he has to learn English but his football skills, everyone can see it.
"So it's about keep on improving, because to play to together and everything. But you can already see the qualities he has. He got a penalty and an assist today.
"He's going to be really good for us."
TBR understands that Man City are now considering a move for Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez too.
