New York City FC star Valentin Castellanos admits that he dreams of a move to Europe amid reported interest from Premier League giants West Ham United, speaking to TYC Sports.
How quickly the narrative changes.
When David Moyes’ happy Hammers dealt Liverpool their first defeat of the season on November 7, some were tipping them to ‘do a Leicester’ and upset the Premier League applecart.
Six weeks later, a potential title charge appears to have been downgraded to another Europa League battle.
West Ham have won just one of their last six games – albeit against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. And with Michail Antonio’s form drying up, so too have the goals.
West Ham have now failed to score in three successive matches, including Wednesday’s drab 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Fortunately, the January transfer window is looming over the horizon. And, with West Ham’s top-four chase faltering, it could hardly have come at a better time.
Will Valentin Castellanos be West Ham’s big January signing?
Competition for Antonio – the only senior centre-forward in Moyes’ squad – feels like a must.
And, according to the Manchester Evening News, West Ham have identified the £15 million-rated Castellanos as an answer to their striker problems.
The Argentina U23 international scored 23 goals in all competitions last season, winning the MLS Golden Boot along the way.
And Castellanos obviously believes that, after cracking America, the next step is Europe.
“I think I have already completed a cycle here in the league. I want to grow,” he says, suggesting that he’s turned down money-spinning offers from non-European clubs.
“I pay more attention to sports than economics. I had multi-million dollar offers from different places but I’m not interested.
“To play in Europe would be to fulfil a dream.”
Competition for Michail Antonio?
Castellanos fired New York City FC – one of Manchester City’s sister clubs – to fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference this season.
“I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe,” said Man City boss Pep Guardiola this week.
West Ham supporters might have their concerns about bringing in a striker from the less-than-stellar American top-flight. But if anyone knows a talent when he sees on, it’s Pep.
“I know he is a quality player,” Guardiola adds. “I think he is ready to make the next step to Europe. We will see where.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
