:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65903900/1169394110.jpg.0.jpg)
New speculation is emerging from Argentina, again casting aspersion over the Ignacio Piatti’s desire to return to Montreal.
The latest story was broken this morning by Journal de Montreal, which cited ‘several sources in Argentina, including the sports radio station, Buenos Aires Club 947 FM’.
We’ve heard it all before though.
It suggests Nacho, currently in Argentina with family, wishes to remain there and join former club San Lorenzo of Buenos Aires. It appears his wife is also reluctant to return to Montreal in favour of staying home in Argentina.
With one year still to run on his contract, Montreal Impact will command a fee for the player, should the rumours of the move ring true. The size of any prospective fee however is a matter of conjecture. How much can you get for 34-year-old who’s made 9 starts in the last 14 injury-plagued months, even one as talented and effective as Ignacio Piatti?
I can’t imagine, all things considered, San Lorenzo will want to pay more than a few hundred thousand dollars for the player. Money in the Argentine Superliga these days is not that plentiful.
The latest rumours are consistent to those that emerged from Stade Saputo before last season ended. The manner in which Piatti left the field during the final game against New York Red Bulls, and the player’s unexpected failure to meet with assembled media during the post-mortem day, all add fuel to an already well-lit fire.
It’s fair to speculate all is not well in the Piatti-Impact saga.
Is this why Olivier Renard has ensured there’s sufficient attacking cover on the left side through his signing of Romell Quioto from Houston and in securing the return of Lassi Lappalainen on loan from Bologna?
I fear we’ve not heard the last of this one, and it may not work out well for Montreal Impact. This, and the failure so far to acquire new players for the roster does not augur well for the Champions League campaign, so eagerly anticipated by fans, or indeed the opening games in MLS which take place earlier than usual in 2020.
No further information has been made available from the club regards the Piatti situation, and in fairness, that could mean the most recent speculation from the Argentine capital is more rumour than fact.
Impact fans will be hoping so.
What do IMFC fans think about Piatti returning in 2020? Please take our poll...
Poll
Will Ignacio Piatti return as a Montreal Impact player in 2020?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Yes - he will see out his contract (12 months)
(12 votes) -
37%
Yes, but he will depart by mid-season for Argentina.
(28 votes) -
45%
No - he will not return to Montreal
(34 votes)
Poll
Will Ignacio Piatti return as a Montreal Impact player in 2020?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Yes - he will see out his contract (12 months)
(12 votes) -
37%
Yes, but he will depart by mid-season for Argentina.
(28 votes) -
45%
No - he will not return to Montreal
(34 votes)
Poll
Will Ignacio Piatti return as a Montreal Impact player in 2020?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Yes - he will see out his contract (12 months)
(12 votes) -
37%
Yes, but he will depart by mid-season for Argentina.
(28 votes) -
45%
No - he will not return to Montreal
(34 votes)
Poll
Will Ignacio Piatti return as a Montreal Impact player in 2020?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Yes - he will see out his contract (12 months)
(12 votes) -
37%
Yes, but he will depart by mid-season for Argentina.
(28 votes) -
45%
No - he will not return to Montreal
(34 votes)
Poll
Will Ignacio Piatti return as a Montreal Impact player in 2020?
This poll is closed
-
16%
Yes - he will see out his contract (12 months)
(12 votes) -
37%
Yes, but he will depart by mid-season for Argentina.
(28 votes) -
45%
No - he will not return to Montreal
(34 votes)