Why Brighton should hold on to Martin Montoya amidst Sevilla interest
According to Fichajes (h/t The Shields Gazette), Spanish side Sevilla are interested in signing Brighton defender Martin Montoya as a replacement for Jesus Navas.
Montoya, 28, came through Barcelona’s youth system but couldn’t establish himself in the ranks of the Catalan giants’ senior squad. After three seasons, he left on loan to Inter Milan and Real Betis before joining Valencia in the summer of 2016. He gained confidence there and was signed by Brighton two years later.
Since then, he has been a regular member for the Seagulls and has already made 67 appearances for the English outfit, scoring 2 goals and providing 7 assists. He has helped his side avoid relegation last term. Thus, Brighton should allow him to continue with the club.
Meanwhile, Graham Potter’s men have been inconsistent throughout the campaign and have not made much progress from last season. After registering just one win in their last 13 games, Brighton are currently 15th in the league standings, just two points above the relegation zone.
They have lacked intensity in their games, with Neal Maupay being the only player who seems to be doing a decent job up front. Their defensive unit has also not been up to the mark despite having an experienced campaigner in Lewis Dunk.
Martin Montoya, Tariq Lamptey and Ezequiel Schelotto are the only right-backs available at the manager’s disposal. While the Spaniard has been a regular, featuring in 23 games so far, Lamptey and Schelotto have been used rarely by Potter.
Former Chelsea man Lamptey just arrived last summer and the Italian has featured in just seven games. Schelotto also has his contract coming to an end in the summer and there have been no talks of an extension. And this would leave the manager with just one established right-back in Montaya. Thus, the manager should look to keep the former Barcelona man beyond this summer.
Montoya would undoubtedly add a wealth of experience into Brighton’s squad if he remains at the Amex Stadium. He would definitely be a big boost to the squad as he has an experience of 249 career games. He would definitely be the first choice, given the lack of quality from Lamptey and Schelotto.
Verdict
At 28, the Spaniard still has a lot more to offer at a higher level and Brighton must be able to enjoy his services for a few more years. Selling him would make it difficult for the club to find an experienced campaigner in the summer.
Therefore, the Seagulls should block any exit for Montoya in the summer and keep him until his contract comes to an end in 2022.
