Everton and Newcastle United have joined the chase for Valentin Castellanos, who could depart New York City FC in this European window.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Valentin Castellanos is emerging to be a target for Premier League sides this summer, with at least four English sides vying for the Argentine’s signature. The forward could depart New York City FC in this European window, with the MLS club bracing themselves for an offer.
Clubs in Europe, particularly from the Premier League, are not known to trust talents coming out of the MLS. There is a gulf in the required quality, which always goes against American league players irrespective of their season numbers and obvious talent.
Rarely there are players for whom clubs scramble through and spark a transfer tussle for their signings. Valentin Castellanos is emerging to be one such star, with as many as four Premier League sides vying to sign the New York City FC star, while there is further interest from European clubs.
The Argentine has posted nominal numbers, scoring 11 goals across all competition and contributing with five assists in only 16 games. This comes after an impressive season last year during which he netted 23 goals from 36 games. These statistics have been enough to bring some of the English clubs to the table as they are weighing up a move for the striker.
Castellanos’ ability to play across all the positions in the forward line has got clubs excited to approach. West Ham United are one of the clubs interested in the forward, as David Moyes continues to search for a viable backup to Michail Antonio.
New York City FC did turn down an approach from River Plate worth about $14 million, which indicates the MLS club are seeking a significant sum to transfer Castellanos. Since February, Leeds United have also been interested, and with their safety in the Premier League secure, the Whites could look to lure the Argentine with their American manager, Jesse Marsch.
Everton and Newcastle United have now entered the chase for the 23-year-old Argentine forward. The Toffees could finish the window without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, linked with the Magpies. The Merseyside club are in financial trouble and may need to sell their forward to fund new transfers in the summer. And an investment in Castellanos could be considered the way forward by the Merseysiders.
Contrastingly, Newcastle United could be looking at Castellanos as more of a backup forward, who could give them a different option in the front three. The Magpies are already looking to sign a marquee striker in the window and may look at the New York City FC star to add quality depth.
Castellanos is reportedly keen to move over to Europe, and despite only signing a contract midway through the current month, he could be dispensable. A move to the Premier League may be possible for the Argentine, but amidst interest from other European clubs, the 23-year-old will have a crucial decision to make.
