Monteiro loan extended another six months

Philadelphia Union midfielder Jamiro Monteiro’s loan from FC Metz has been extended through the end of the season, but his future with the club beyond 2019 remains uncertain.

FC Metz announced the loan extension this morning.

It will keep the 25-year-old midfielder in Chester through the end of the year. Beyond that, the Union hold a club option to make the move permanent but it will require a big payout somewhere in the neighborhood of the $3 million Metz paid in a transfer fee to acquire him from Heracles Almelo last summer. That’s if the Cape Verde international wants to stay.

If this all sounds a little too familiar, it’s because a similar situation happened with 2018 MLS assist leader Bořek Dočkal, who returned to the Czech Republic after his loan from the Chinese Super League expired at the end of last season. Dočkal ended up being transferred back to Sparta Prague for about $1.4 million U.S. just two years after HN Jianye paid around $9.5 million to acquire him.

Monteiro converted a first half penalty in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Minnesota United for his third goal of the season in 12 appearances and 10 starts. His two-way play has helped solidify the Union midfield and contributed to them becoming a top team in the league despite missing Mexican international Marco Fabián for half of their games so far.