Espanyol have announced the signing of César Montes from CF Monterrey.

The centre-half joins in a deal that lasts until 2028. He arrived in Barcelona on the morning of 27 December to complete the move.

“I'm happy and excited, this is a dream come true for me," said the player upon arrival: “It's worth the sacrifice because I'm here now and everything is going to be exciting from now on. I'm not afraid of playing in Europe, it's a challenge and it's what I have wanted to do since I was a boy. I come to compete for a place in the side and we will how the coach responds towards me."

Montes made his debut in professional football at 18 years old and represented Mexico at their recent World Cup run in Qatar and has won one Mexican League, two Cups and two Concacaf Champions Leagues. The fee is reported to be around €7 million and will be paid in June: there are no variables depending on Espanyol's presence in the Primera División or Segunda División.

The centre-back should have no trouble playing in Europe, as his main quality is his ball control and passing out from the back, which could suit what his manager, Diego Martínez, would want.