Premier League
Monchi is already preparing the squad for the upcoming season, and it seems he is going to kick off the RCD Espanyol's transfer market, with one of the most advanced fronts pointing directly to the left-back position. The name that has gained more strength in the last few hours is that of Quilindschy Hartman, a Dutch player from Burnley who could become one of the first significant reinforcements of the new "perico" project.
The need is evident. The departure of Carlos Romero has left a significant void in a very delicate position, and the blanquiazul club needs a reliable, competitive, and long-term solution. Currently, José Salinas and the academy player Roger Hinojo appear as alternatives, but the sports management understands the need for a more experienced profile.
Monchi wants to secure a solid left-back for RCD Espanyol
The arrival of Monchi in the sports structure has changed the pace of planning. The Cádiz native executive has nearly a dozen moves on the table and knows that the margin for error will be small, especially in a squad that needs strengthening without disrupting the salary cap.
The left-back is one of the priorities. It is not enough to incorporate a rotational player: the goal is to find a player capable of competing from day one, holding the flank, and providing depth in attack. In this scenario, Hartman fits in due to his age, international experience, and training at a club as demanding as Feyenoord.
RCD Espanyol has been following the Dutchman for a while. His name had already surfaced in the perico orbit months ago, and now the operation seems to have entered a much more concrete phase. The key lies not only in the agreement between clubs but also in convincing the player that the spell in Barcelona could be the best step to revitalize his career.
Quilindschy Hartman, an opportunity after his spell at Burnley
Quilindschy Hartman joined Burnley a year ago from Feyenoord in an operation close to €10 million. His landing in England seemed like a logical leap after standing out in the Netherlands, but the relegation of the English team has completely changed the scenario.
The 24-year-old defender has no intention of continuing in the Championship. This stance opens the door to a departure and makes Espanyol an attractive destination: he would continue competing in a top European league, have real options for playing time, and enter a project aiming for growth with a more ambitious base.
Furthermore, his market value currently hovers around €16 million, a figure that reflects he is not a minor castoff. He is a player with renown, an international with the Netherlands, and room to regain the spotlight if he finds stability.

Burnley and Espanyol share a direct negotiation route
The corporate factor can be crucial. Burnley and Espanyol share ownership under Alan Pace's umbrella, facilitating dialogue and potentially avoiding a particularly complex negotiation. However, this does not mean the operation is entirely resolved.
The significant point to square will be the economic formula. The Catalan team needs to fit the player's salary within their wage cap and find a viable structure, whether through a loan, adjusted transfer, or an operation with favorable conditions for both parties.
For Manolo González, the arrival of a left-back of this caliber would be significant news. Hartman would bring trajectory, aggressiveness, a good foot, and experience in competitive contexts, precisely what a squad that does not want to endure another season of hardship needs.
The move would also bear a distinct market stamp. Monchi seeks to get ahead, seize favorable circumstances, and identify players who can immediately raise the level without escalating costs. If there are no unexpected twists, Quilindschy Hartman has many chances to end up donning the blanquiazul jersey.
The operation still needs to be sealed, but the path is laid out. Monchi wants Espanyol to be quick, precise, and convincing in a negotiation that could set the tone for the summer. If Hartman accepts the challenge, the club will have made a serious initial move to reinforce a key area of the team.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, CERRADO: Monchi ya tiene el primer fichaje del Espanyol
