Leeds United are reportedly leading the race to sign New York City FC attacker Valentin Castellanos.
According to transfer expert Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT), Leeds United’s American manager Jesse Marsch is targeting more players from his home country after signing compatriot Brenden Aaronson from RB Salzburg. The Whites have now set their sight on New York City FC’s Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos.
Castellanos is on the radar of multiple clubs, but as per 90min, Leeds are the ‘most interested’ side for his signature. The report claims that parent club Manchester City decided against bringing the USMNT star to the Etihad, having already signed Erling Haaland for the centre-forward role.
They have instead offered the 23-year-old to clubs in the Premier League, including Leeds United and Marsch’s side are currently leading the race for his signature. The Argentine striker joined New York City FC in 2018 and has since made 122 appearances for the club, scoring 53 goals.
Castellanos was the top-scorer in Major League Soccer for the 2021 season with 19 goals in 35 matches, leading his side to the league title. The 23-year-old has started the ongoing season in fine fashion too, having already scored seven goals in 11 league matches.
Castellanos’ performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Dean Jones claiming the striker has been ‘scouted by a lot of clubs’. Jones revealed that the Whites are currently the ‘frontrunners’ for his signature.
“He’s highly thought of and has been scouted by a lot of clubs. Man City are not going for him at this stage, but I think they would have had first option on him, so they’re opening up to other Premier League clubs, and right now, Leeds are the frontrunners,” Jones told GIVEMESPORT.
21-year-old attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson became Marsch’s first signing for Leeds last month and he is eager to further strengthen his side ahead of the next season. It was followed by the signing of Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen. However, the Whites are set to lose their star player Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly leading the race for his signature.
Leeds narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 17th with three points between them and the drop zone. Given how they struggled for goals in the absence of Patrick Bamford, a centre-forward like Castellanos has the potential to be a crucial signing.
