César Montes Nearing Return to Monterrey as Rayados Push to Bring Him Back After 2026 World Cup

César Montes could be on the verge of one of the biggest transfer stories in upcoming Liga MX windows. Reports indicate that Monterrey’s front office is actively working toward bringing back the homegrown center-back, a move that would re-establish him as the defensive leader of the club. The plan is to finalize the deal after the 2026 World Cup — unless a major offer arrives from Europe that changes the scenario.

Montes currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, where he has enjoyed stability and consistent minutes after previous stops with Espanyol and Almería. At 28, he has already played more than 30 official matches in Russian football, scoring at least once and becoming a key figure in the Moscow backline. His reliable performance and strong market value explain why Monterrey is prepared to wait for the right timing to secure his return.

Rayados see him as the ideal successor for a defensive core that may soon face significant changes. With veterans such as Sergio Ramos potentially departing, the club needs someone who brings leadership, international experience, and emotional connection to the badge. Montes fits that profile perfectly — he knows the city, the pressure, the expectations, and the demand to win from day one.

Reports indicate that unless an exceptional European offer emerges, Monterrey hold priority in finalizing the signing. Other Liga MX clubs — including América, Chivas, and Cruz Azul — have been linked to Montes in the past, but the player’s camp has consistently indicated that if he returns to Mexico, he wants to do so with the club where it all began.

Since leaving Monterrey in 2023, Montes has navigated a demanding European journey: a hard-fought spell in LaLiga with Espanyol and Almería, followed by a stabilizing move to Russia where he’s played a central role for a club competing for European spots.

In Moscow, his reputation as a dominant aerial defender with strong distribution skills has only grown. His numbers show reliability: clearances, duels won, defensive positioning, and offensive presence on set pieces. Bringing that quality back to Monterrey would immediately elevate Rayados above most defensive lines in the league.

Montes has also become a permanent starter for the Mexican National Team under Javier Aguirre. Regular in Gold Cup and Nations League campaigns, he’s expected not only to start in the 2026 World Cup — but to serve as one of its captains. Returning to Monterrey could further strengthen his leadership in a familiar environment where he enjoys full support.

This move would also reinforce a growing trend of European-experienced Mexican players returning to Liga MX in their prime. For Rayados, it would be a statement signing — both sporting and symbolic. And for César “Cachorro” Montes, coming home as a proven international defender would mark the beginning of a new and ambitious chapter in a career still ascending.