Ezequiel Montero Jiménez, also known as Zequi, born in Algar on March 17, 1994, is set to join Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares for the upcoming season. it was exclusively confirmed that the winger from Cádiz has agreed to a contract with the La Mancha team until 2026. Arriving with a free transfer. Montero Jiménez will conclude his five-season tenure at the Córdoba World Heritage Site on June 30. Opting out of the renewal offer and other First Division opportunities.
Quest for a Right Winger
Manzanares initiated the search for a right winger following the unsuccessful signing of Moroccan international Khalid Bouzid by Barça (Industrias Santa Coloma). Coach Juanlu Alonso, unwilling to wait for further market openings, opted to secure Zequi’s transfer. Hailing from Cádiz, Zequi is known for his strength, versatility, and scoring prowess, having netted 12 goals in 22 games this season. He joined Córdoba in 2019 from Santiago Futsal, where he spent two seasons, including one in the First Division during the 2017-18 campaign. Before that, he played for Xerez Toyota Nimauto FS, contributing to their promotion to the 2nd B in the 2015/16 season with 52 goals. Over the past five seasons, he has been a key player for Córdoba under both Miguel Ángel Martínez ‘Maca’ and Josan González.
Zequi Leaving
Despite efforts from Córdoba World Heritage Site president, José García Román, to renew his contract, Zequi opted for Manzanares’ offer. In recent years, Zequi has attracted attention from various clubs, including Viña Albali Valdepeñas in 2021. However, he declined their offer to pursue new opportunities. Now, at 30 years old, he believes it’s time for a fresh start. Zequi’s departure, along with Lucas Perin’s move to Anderlecht as reported by Relevo, leaves Córdoba in need of two right wingers for the next season, in addition to a center as Muhammad Ossamanmusa is unlikely to continue due to offers from First Division teams.
The future of coach Josan González, whose contract ends on June 30, remains uncertain. With Zequi secured, President Manuel del Salto is finalizing the 2024-25 Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares project, having quietly worked on retaining their international centers Juan Emilio and Daniel Gabriel, extending coach Juanlu Alonso’s contract until 2027, and renewing Deivão, Antonio Sierra García, Antoñito, and Álvaro López del Pino. The status of Everton Cardoso, known as Gallo, a Brazilian striker with Azerbaijani citizenship, is yet to be determined.