Ajax and Braga are reportedly interested in signing Pachuca's Mexico youth international Elías Montiel

Several European clubs are monitoring Elías Montiel, the 19-year-old midfielder from Pachuca, who is currently competing in the Club World Cup, according to reports. Both Ajax of the Netherlands and Braga of Portugal have reportedly been tracking the young midfielder closely.

Ajax - thanks to a collaboration agreement with Pachuca - has already initiated transfer conversations for Montiel, ESPN reports. Montiel is one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Mexican side. The midfielder earned the Bronze Ball at last December’s Intercontinental Cup in the Middle East.

Montiel also caught the eye of Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who praised him during the Intercontinental final. When asked about a potential move to Real Oviedo - a newly-promoted Spanish side owned by Grupo Pachuca - the club’s president, Armando Martínez, made it clear their priority is securing financial gain from any transfer.

“We’ll have to see what their coach decides, and what Jesús [Martínez] and Martín [Meláez] think about Oviedo. But given his value and the possible income he could bring, it's unlikely a move there would happen unless on loan,” Martínez explained.

With 66 senior appearances and a bright future ahead, Montiel seems well on his way to attracting attention from top European leagues if Pachuca receives the right proposal.

Mexican legend Hugo Sánchez, renowned for his successful spell at Real Madrid, has often criticized players who remain in Liga MX instead of pursuing opportunities in Europe. However, he has also praised those who take the leap - and now, he's offering Montiel encouragement as the teenager prepares for a potential move.

“He’s had contact with the president of Real Madrid, and that means a lot - because the Real Madrid president doesn’t reach out to just any player. At his age, he’s an appealing talent for any team in the world," Sanchez said. "Elías, stay motivated, keep in touch with Real Madrid. Everything you do is interesting - go to Europe, I recommend it from experience. You’re doing really well. It would be wonderful if this dream comes true. Don’t stop thinking about going to Europe.”

Tuzos have already been eliminated from the Club World Cup after suffering defeats to both Red Bull Salzburg and Real Madrid. However, they’ll have one final chance to close out their campaign with pride when they face Al Hilal this Thursday at GEODIS Park in Nashville.