Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos is ready to leave MLS and take the next step in his career in Europe.
The Argentine scored as New York City beat Portland Timbers on penalties to lift the MLS Cup last weekend, taking his tally for the season to 23 across all competitions.
He has been in particularly impressive form over the past few weeks as he scored in each of his side’s last four games during the regular season.
The 23-year-old Argentinian has been linked with a move to the Premier League and Guardiola revealed he has had conversations with the City Football Group’s scouting department about his future.
“I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe,” Guardiola told a news conference on Monday.
“What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, I know he’s a quality player and ready to make the next step to Europe and we will see where.”
Castellanos is valued at around £15million, with Besiktas reported to have seen a bid turned down.
Several Championship clubs sounded New York out about a potential switch last summer but Castellanos’ stock has since risen and he has been attracting interest from Spain.
These Guardiola’s comments on Valentin Castellanos were shared on Twitter by City Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters.
He got Pep’s attention. Real talent there https://t.co/z3wTNQdAcJ
— Yogi (@yogicen) December 14, 2021
He would be a good backup for Haaland at City tbf
— James (@JMC_OfficiaI) December 13, 2021
The kid is just as good as Torres.. let’s get him to replace replace Torres.
— Keke Sam (@StickySam_) December 14, 2021
I wouldn’t mind signing him as a backup ngl. He has 30 goal contributions in 33 games and is argentinian and we know how good Argentina are at producing forwards
— 〽️ (@MCFCMohd) December 13, 2021
people i know do not watch the mls can quiet down. taty castellanos is raw, but there is legitimate brilliance in there. he’s the best player i’ve ever seen at NYCFC and a lethal attacking forward. his press is unstoppable in the MLS and he has an eye and a header for goal.
— akgr21 (@akgr21) December 14, 2021
@StevenMcinerney 👀 there’s a legitimately brilliant player there. just needs some polishing. Aggressive, flair, fierce competitor, links play incredibly well and is great in the air. Raw but pep is the best at polishing players. Would prove to be a bargain https://t.co/9tFWmX006z pic.twitter.com/NK5btsSAcq
— BoyzInBlue (@BernardoControl) December 14, 2021
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