Brighton shortlist LaLiga star to replace Leandro Trossard
Brighton may have their Leandro Trossard replacement lined up…
Brighton and Hove Albion who are likely to lose Leandro Trossard, are looking to replace him with the signing of Valentín Castellanos,
According to The Independent, “Brighton have contacted New York City FC and Girona about a move for Argentine forward Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos, as they seek to evolve their forward line.”
Trossard who has fallen out with manager Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The winger has scored seven goals this season, which included a hat-trick at Anfield against Liverpool.
Sky Sports have reported that “Trossard will only be allowed to leave Brighton in this window if chairman Tony Bloom’s valuation is met.”
Brighton needs a replacement and although Castellanos is more of a centre-forward than Trossard, he will help replace the player’s goal contributions.
What will Castellanos offer Brighton?
Castellanos is currently on loan from New York City FC at Girona, who are also part of the City Football Group.
For the Spanish side this season he has scored five goals in 18 matches. His record for his parent club, NYCFC, is very good with Castellanos scoring 59 goals in 134 games. He also helped them win MLS Cup in 2021.
Prior to playing in the USA, Castellanos had spells with Club Universidad de Chile and Montevideo City Torque.
Brighton’s current striking options are 18-year-old Evan Ferguson, who has done very well recently, scoring two goals in his four Premier League appearances. They also have Danny Welbeck who is now 32 but can still have an impact, as he scored his first goal of the season against Liverpool last weekend.
The Seagulls also have Deniz Undav in their ranks. However, he is yet to score in eight league matches this season. The arrival of Castellanos would be a welcome addition to their forward line.
Brighton could be the perfect club for him
Brighton is a club that has got a lot of praise of late. They are currently 7th in the Premier League and the new manager, De Zerbi, has filled Graham Potter’s boots with ease.
They have helped develop some top talent, particularly players from South America where Castellanos is from. Alexis Mac Allister, their standout player is now a World Cup winner. The Seagulls have also recently signed another Argentine in Facundo Buonanotte from Rosario Central. So Castellanos will be in good company at a club with his fellow countrymen.
Other players that Brighton has helped develop include Ben White, Bissouma and Marc Cucurella. The Seagulls are at the moment a selling club, so if he does well he will likely get a move to a bigger club. However, they do have a chance in qualifying for European football next season.
Castellanos is yet to make a senior appearance for Argentina, although he has played for his country’s U23s. If he does move to the Premier League and does well, a call-up from Lionel Scaloni will not be far away.
The Argentine has been linked with a move to England before and Brighton will need to act fast, with other clubs looking to emulate their scouting record.