Pachuca reportedly place $20 million price tag on in-demand 19-year-old Elías Montiel

Pachuca have reportedly set a $20 million price tag on 19-year-old midfielder Elías Montiel, a figure far above the $5 million valuation listed by Transfermarkt. Montiel, unlike 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, is of legal age and eligible for a move to Europe, where multiple clubs have reportedly expressed interest, according to All Futbol MX. 

Montiel, alongside Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas, is seen as part of the future of the Mexican national team. At the Club World Cup, Montiel scored against Real Madrid, putting himself in the spotlight for a potential move to European football this summer. In addition to commanding Pachuca’s midfield, he is a versatile player with a strong mentality. Despite his rise, he has yet to debut for Mexico’s senior team, having only featured at the U-20 level.

The $20 million fee Pachuca is asking could be steep for a player still in the early stages of proving his worth. While Montiel’s talent is undeniable, Mexico is not accustomed to exporting players at that price point. 

The most expensive outgoing transfer in Liga MX history was Edson Álvarez’s move to Ajax in 2019, when the Dutch club paid $15.6 million to América.

Tuzos have won all four of their Liga MX matches so far and will face Xolos this weekend in a matchup between Montiel and Mora—two of the league’s brightest young talents. Pachuca will then take on LA Galaxy on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.