SEATTLE – After Fredy Montero’s superb performance against Boca Juniors on Wednesday night, the striker said he’d consider South America as a future destination.
“There are good clubs in Europe and there are great clubs in South America as well,” Montero said through a translator. “If the opportunity comes up, every player has the chance to choose what is the best thing to do and I would be completely open to that.”
After head coach Sigi Schmid benched Montero earlier this season against New York for a lack of work rate, the Colombian was active in Wednesday night’s nationally televised friendly.
Perhaps energized at the thought of playing with the Argentine club, Montero turned in one of his best matches of the season. In one half of action, he notched five shots (three on goal) and set up Seattle’s first goal with an excellent shot from a free kick.
“We were very motivated playing against Boca, which is a very important team in this continent,” Montero said.
Transfer speculation has swirled around the youngster has in 2010. Reports earlier this year had Montero linked to European clubs, with the heaviest speculation suggesting he’d end up with CSKA Moscow. The player himself said last month it was nearly a done deal, pending some paperwork.
With Blaise Nkufo set to reinforce the team’s attacking line after the World Cup, a move away in the summer transfer window could make sense for Montero.
The Colombian has three goals on season, but has struggled to find continuity with Freddie Ljungberg. He also remains one of the most fouled players in Major League Soccer, having been cut down 22 times in 10 games this season.
Andrew Winner covers the Seattle Sounders for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at thesecondyellow@gmail.com or twitter.com/andrewewinner.
