Elías Montiel is among the many Mexican names wanted in Europe as news has broke that German giants Bayer Leverkusen have enquired about the 20-year-old midfielder.
Pachuca's prodigy came through the club's youth academy, making his debut at the age of 17 and has since made 55 appearances.
In his debut campaign, Montiel played a role in helping Los Tuzos lift the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup before helping his team finish as runners-up in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup to Real Madrid later in the year; a competition where he would claim the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Bronze Ball, joining the likes of Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde on the podium.
Last season, he established himself as a vital part of the Liga MX side, appearing in 30 of 34 regular-season matches and recording four goal contributions. While he continues to refine his attacking abilities, Montiel is distinguished by his dribbling, quick footwork, and defensive awareness, displaying a level of maturity beyond his years.
As such, Bayer Leverkusen are the latest European side to show an interest in the ball-playing midfielder, reportedly making an enquiry to Pachuca as revealed by the club's former director Jan Westerhof.
🚨🇩🇪 ¡LO SIGUEN DESDE ALEMANIA! 🇲🇽
— Jovenes Futbolistas MX (@Jovenesfutmx) October 7, 2025
🤯Jan Westerhof, exdirector de Fuerzas Básicas de Pachuca, reveló que el BAYER LEVERKUSEN lo contactó para conocer más sobre ELIAS MONTIEL Montiel.
✍ Más allá de la cancha, destacó que es un chico centrado, disciplinado y mentalmente fuerte.… pic.twitter.com/OlmEgTSk7t
The report suggests that the 2024 Bundesliga champions are interested in learning more about Montiel, but Westerhof adds that he believes a move to the Dutch Eredivisie, similar to Edson Álvarez's move to Ajax in 2019 or Santiago Giménez's switch from Cruz Azul to Feyenoord would better benefit the midfielder.
As per Transfermarkt, the player is currently valued at €5.5 million, but Los Tuzos would be looking to agree a deal double that value to take the seven-time Mexican international away from his boyhood club.
Right now, Montiel is with the Mexican U-20 side at the FIFA World Cup in Chile, a scene full of scouts from around the world. Like many of his teammates, Montiel has had an impressive tournament, helping El Tri reach the knockout rounds, topping a group that contained Brazil, Spain and Morocco.
If Montiel continues to impress, Bayer Leverkusen could soon step up their interest and submit a formal offer, though talks are still at an early stage. With the transfer window currently closed, a move would not be possible until January, and the former German champions may face strong competition to secure the midfielder’s signature.
Where do you think Elías Montiel will end up? Let us know!
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