Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos admits he is holding out for a move to Europe as Premier League trio Leeds United, Newcastle and Everton cast their eyes over the New York City FC striker, speaking to TUDN.
The Argentina U23 international is certainly doing his chances of a ‘dream’ move across the Atlantic no harm. After firing NYCFC to MLS Cup glory last season, Castellanos is well on his way to winning the league’s Golden Boot for a second straight campaign.
He found the net 23 times during 2021. So far in 2022, he’s already hit the back of the net 16 times.
So Castellanos – a silky and supremely self-confident centre-forward who is not afraid to try a rabona or a panenka when the opportunity arises – could see his dream become a reality sooner rather than later.
Dean Jones of Give Me Sport claims that Leeds are currently leading the race. Jesse Marsch, the club’s American head coach, will know Castellanos well given his connections in the US game. Newcastle and Everton are also keen on the 23-year-old, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Valentin Castellanos wants Europe move amid Leeds United interest
“I’ve been in this league for a while. I’d like to keep growing,” Castellanos explains.
“Being young and having the chance to go to another league in Europe, I think it would be a big thing and a dream come true for me.
“Sometimes you’re not ready or it’s not the right time. But, right now, I’m at my best. I think right now it is an opportunity, and it would be very good to continue growing in Europe and continue doing what I have been doing here.”
Castellanos’ pace, power, ruthless finishing skills and underrated aerial prowess have lead to comparisons in some quarters with the legendary Didier Drogba. And Pep Guardiola – coach of NYCFC’s sister club Manchester City – is convinced that the one-time Universidad de Chile youngster is ‘ready’ to make his mark in a major European league.
“I had the opportunity to win the Golden Boot last year, to be champion of the Eastern Conference and to be champion of the entire league. I have nothing more to win here,” Castellanos adds.
“I’m competing for the Golden Boot again and I don’t put a ceiling on myself. I always want more. I want to keep winning things, be the best player in my position, the best player in my team.”
“Although there have been no concrete offers at this time, I am calm. At the same time, I want to continue my development somewhere else. That would be very good too, for my development and to be able to see how far I can go and see where I fit in Europe.”
“It is a goal that I would like to have and see where I am at a European level.”
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