On Loan: Francisco Montero joins HSV

Another piece of the defensive puzzle: Francisco Javier Montero Rubio, who introduced himself as Javi in the team circle, joins HSV on loan from Besiktas Istanbul. The 24-year-old central defender signs a contract until the end of the current season 2022/23 and will join the team training of the Rothosen in Sotogrande tomorrow, Monday. 

"With Javi Montero, we have found an important building block for our central defence. Due to his strong left foot and his footballing quality, he offers us additional variability in the build-up of the game. His tackling ability in the last line and his international experience will also give us further stability and increase the competition," explains HSV board member Jonas Boldt. The Spanish newcomer says: "I was already convinced by the first conversation with those responsible at HSV. Now I want to integrate into the team as quickly as possible and put my best performance on the pitch."

Javi Montero was born on 14 January 1999 and trained in the renowned youth academy of Atletico Madrid. He made his debut for the 'Rojiblancos' in Spain's top flight on 10 November 2018 and also featured in the UEFA Champions League during the 2018/19 season. After a loan spell with Deportivo La Coruna (31 appearances), the 1.85-metre left-footer moved to Turkish top club Besiktas Istanbul in the summer of 2020 - initially also on loan. There, the former U21 international established himself as a regular player, was signed permanently in July 2021 and played a total of 46 matches. However, Montero did not play regularly in the first half of the season and therefore opted for a loan move to HSV. The Spaniard now wants to gain match practice again as quickly as possible and thus help the club to achieve its goals.