Girona FC striker Valentin Castellanos has hinted that he wants to remain in Europe after signing for the La Liga side on loan for the season, with Leeds United and Newcastle United reportedly interested in the forward.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine youth international revealed he hopes to stay on the continent at the end of this campaign following the attacker’s loan move from New York City FC to sister club Girona, with Leeds and Newcastle missing out on signing Castellanos.
A record-breaking attacker in MLS with the Bronx-based franchise, Castellanos was named MLS MVP for last year after the forward guided NYCFC to silverware in MLS Cup, and the striker’s form caught the eye of both Leeds and Newcastle, who were reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old.
However, it was Girona who won the race to sign Castellanos, with the La Liga side landing the striker on loan with help through City Football Group, who own both the Catalan club and NYCFC, with the forward joining for the year with an option to buy next summer.
With a goal already in Spain, Castellanos has impressed in his first venture into Europe, and according to the player himself, he wants to stay on the continent and to play for one of football’s biggest sides beyond his current loan spell with Girona.
Castellanos said when asked on if he wants to stay in Europe after this loan spell with Girona: “Without a doubt, I want to stay in Europe. It’s always been my dream, that’s what I aspire to and that’s why I work every day. I feel I have what it takes to be in this league.”
Leeds & Newcastle could have lifeline in beating Girona to Castellanos signing
Girona might have an option to sign Castellanos next year, but the striker’s determination to remain in Europe could give Leeds and Newcastle motivation to try their own moves to recruit the on-loan NYCFC superstar, who could want an adventure in the Premier League.
Indeed, with Castellanos already on the scoreboard in La Liga, a strong season in Spain could tempt the likes of Newcastle and Leeds to sign the Argentine, a prospect the 23-year-old might find too appealing to reject despite the chance Girona have given the forward.
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