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Leeds United to sign New York City striker Valentin Castellanos

By Robert Wheeler

Valentín Castellanos of New York City FC scores on a penalty kick during the first half of the MLS game against D.C. United. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Valentín Castellanos of New York City FC scores on a penalty kick during the first half of the MLS game against D.C. United. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Leeds United are in pole position to sign Argentine Valentin Castellanos who has been starring in the MLS with New York City FC.

Transfer insider Dean Jones speaking to GIVEMESPORT revealed:

"“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.”"

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch will be looking to add firepower to his squad especially as Patrick Bamford missed much of last season through injury. Leeds’ other forward Raphinha has been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in acquiring the Brazilian winger, as per Telegraph Sport. 

Marsch has already dived into the American market this summer with the signing of RB Salzburg attacking midfielder Brendan Aaronson.

During Marcelo Bielsa’s time at the club, he signed Jack Harrison from Manchester City in 2018. Harrison had just enjoyed a spell at New York City FC, he helped Leeds gain promotion to the Premier League and has done well in the top flight since scoring 8 goals in each of his two seasons in the division.

Although, he just missed out on playing alongside Castellanos in New York as the Argentine joined the club at the same time Harrison was moving to Leeds.

Castellanos was born in Mendoza, Argentina. However, he started his career with Chilean side Universidad de Chile. He impressed in a loan spell at Montevideo City Torque (one of the City Football Group clubs) before moving to another CFG-owned club in New York City FC.

It was at the Yankee Stadium where Castellanos started to thrive, winning the MLS Cup in 2021 in a season that also saw him finish with the Golden Boot with 19 goals. In 2022 he already has 11 goals for his club in the MLS. He is predominantly a striker although he can play on either flank as a winger.

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Valentin Castellanos has only been capped at U23 level for Argentina but this move to the Premier League could help force his way into the senior squad and into Lionel Scaloni’s plans for the World Cup in Qatar.

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