Leeds United won’t be signing Valentin Castellanos this summer as the New York City FC striker prepares to make the move to Spanish side Girona.
The Whites are in the market for a new striker and have money to spend after selling Raphinha to Barcelona last week.
Charles De Ketelaere is a prime target but he could instead join AC Milan, whilst Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo is another name on the list.
Leeds simply have to spend big on a striker soon but one rumoured target can now be ruled out.
Leeds United won’t be signing Valentin Castellanos
NYCFC hitman Castellanos has been touted as a Leeds target this summer.
90Min reported in June that Leeds were showing a real interest in Castellanos whilst transfer insider Dean Jones suggested that Leeds were frontrunners.
Leeds do have ties to the American market thanks to the appointment of Jesse Marsch and the involvement of 49ers Enterprises.
Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson – two USA international who previously excelled in Major League Soccer – have joined Leeds this summer, so why not look straight at some MLS stars?
Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner is another name linked with Leeds but Castellanos seemed pretty exciting.
The Argentinian racked up 23 goals in all competitions in 2021, helping NYCFC win the MLS Cup.
12 goals in 15 games this year just shows that Castellanos is a major goalscoring threat and last season wasn’t just a flash in the pan.
MLS to Premier League is still a major step up – just ask Miguel Almiron – but Leeds seemed keen on adding 23-year-old Castellanos to support Patrick Bamford.
That won’t be happening though as Fabrizio Romano reports that Castellanos is instead signing for Spanish side Girona.
Girona are also under the City Football Group umbrella, just like NYCFC, and the City Football Group are allegedly rejecting all offers for Castellanos now.
Girona have won promotion back to La Liga and Castellanos will now have a chance to shine in Spain’s top flight, ironically alongside former Leeds ace Samu Saiz.
This is another striker to cross off the list for Leeds, with some internal dealings from the City Football Group effectively ruling out any deal for Castellanos.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
