On-loan Barcelona defender Martin Montoya will not make an early return from his season-long move to Internazionale after struggling to fit in at the San Siro, according to the player's agent.
Speaking to Italian website Calciomercato.com, Juan de Dios Carrasco insisted any speculation linking the right-back with a January return to the Camp Nou was wide of the mark (h/t Football Italia):
It’s all nonsense. Montoya is adapating to Italian football, it’s different to Spanish football and Barça. He needs time to become an important player. He’s calm, and was very happy about the win in the derby [against Milan on Sunday]. The team is top of the League and Martin is just thinking about working hard to fit into the team both tactically and physically.
He’s very happy in Milan. He’s happy with his surroundings, the club and the Coach [Roberto Mancini]. They talk a lot, and he tells him to stay calm.
While the Nerazzurri are the only remaining team in Serie A with a perfect record—they've won their first three matches of the 2015-16 campaign—Montoya is yet to play a minute for his new club.
ESPN FC writer Michael Yokhin made light of the 24-year-old's situation, trading a lack of playing time under Luis Enrique for a similar shortfall under Mancini's guidance:
Montoya made just 12 appearances across all competitions last season as Dani Alves excelled at right-back, with Enrique opting for a three-man defence for portions of the 2014-15 campaign.
So far this season, the Spaniard has found his path blocked by Davide Santon, who made his return to the Nerazzurri on permanent terms following four years at Newcastle United.
Mancini also has long-standing Inter defender Yuto Nagatomo as an option on the right side of defence, handing Montoya increased competition as he seeks to make his mark.
There could be logic behind Barca recalling their fringe player, however, according to ex-Real Madrid attacker Steve McManaman, who spoke to FourFourTwo's Chris Flanagan, highlighting the Blaugrana's lack of depth:
Barça can't strengthen until January and their squad looks a little bit threadbare now they've lost Pedro and Xavi, really experienced players. They've brought a couple of kids through.
A lot of the time last year Barcelona were quite fortunate with injuries. Their big three stayed fit most of the year and you need to keep your main men fit. If Cristiano Ronaldo gets injured and misses five or six games in the Champions League, Real are going to struggle.
Alves reigns as first-choice right-back for Enrique, while Douglas provides cover and centre-back Marc Bartra has played on the right side of defence in the past.
As noted by McManaman, Barca's transfer embargo doesn't expire until Jan. 1, preventing the club from registering any new players before the beginning of 2016.
However, Enrique already has summer acquisition Aleix Vidal--a player who could challenge for a place anywhere on the right flank--waiting in the wings following his move from Sevilla.
Bleacher Report's Matteo Bonetti detailed what a busy summer of business this was for Mancini's Nerazzurri, with Montoya seemingly one of those to get lost among the influx of new players:
After falling down the pecking order in his native Catalonia, a move to Milan hasn't handed Montoya the playing opportunities he might have expected, with Inter excelling without need of his services thus far.
Current form suggests Mancini won't be shaking up Inter's order anytime soon, but Montoya doesn't seem likely to stay at the San Siro next year, whether that be beyond January or the end of the current season.
via http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2567235-barcelona-transfer-news-martin-montoya-return-denied-latest-blaugrana-rumours
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