Real Monarchs Sign Former Barcelona, Chelsea Academy Player
Dec 3, 2020, 11:26 AM
(Photo courtesy of Real Monarchs SLC)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Monarchs has signed 23-year-old Ecuadorian international Josimar Quintero. It is the first big signing for the Monarchs this off-season.
Quintero’s signing is pending league and federation approval along with his approval of his P-1 visa.
Quintero was out of contract and without a club following a one-year stint with Espanyol B. Prior to Espanyol B, Quintero signed with Chelsea in 2017 however never managed a game with the Premier League giants. Rather, he was placed on loan to three separate teams between 2017 and 2019 including Rostov, Betis B and Lleida Esportiu.
Things are about to get interesting…
Welcome to Utah, @Josiquintero8
⚽️: https://t.co/gLNo6JocQp pic.twitter.com/mBTU9mw5cn
— Real Monarchs (@RealMonarchs) December 3, 2020
Before his professional career began, Quintero developed under the guidance of both the Barcelona and Chelsea academies.
In 2017, before signing his first professional contract with Chelsea, it was rumored that Quintero had serious interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Quintero’s preferred position is an attacking midfielder but can also play in the heart of the midfield. He is expected to play a big role under Monarchs manager Jamison Olave.
“Josimar is another young, dynamic attacking player for the Monarchs roster. His combined experience and ability to cover ground in the midfield brings an industrial upgrade to the roster. We look forward to watching him develop and mature as a player with the Monarchs,” Real Salt Lake Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said.