Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has invited Major League soccer star Valentin “Taty” Castellanos to move to Europe after the striker won the 2021 MLS Cup with New York City FC.
Guardiola said he watched NYCFC’s final MLS Cup game against the Portland Timbers and was impressed by the player, who excelled in the US top-flight last season with 19 goals and eight assists. created in 32 matches. It was the performance that earned him the tournament’s Golden Shoe award.
In the December 11 final, Castellanos scored the opening goal for NYCFC just before halftime and also successfully converted in a penalty shootout.
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“I think he is someone who will take the next step in Europe,” Guardiola told reporters. “What I’ve seen when the scouting department spoke to me, I know he’s a quality player and is ready to take the next step to Europe and we’ll see where.”
Regarding the MLS Cup final, Guardiola added: “We watched it in the restaurant and couldn’t believe it. I was really impressed with the way they handled it in extra time. When you conceded it was 10 seconds ago. at the end of the match and become the champion and gain more time you can be destroyed.
“But in extra time, wow, they were so much better. It shows how strong these players and managers are. That’s a huge compliment to the organization, to New York City. , because it’s the first and always the first time is special.”
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Manchester City and NYCFC are both owned by the worldwide soccer group City Football Group and Guardiola’s words about Castellanos can only help with the player’s quest to secure a contract in Europe.
The 23-year-old Argentinian has scored the second double-digit goal of his youth career this campaign, scoring 19 goals after the previous 11 in 2019.
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He has been with NYCFC since he was a teenager, although he made his professional debut in Uruguay for Torque, now known as Montevideo City Torque and also part of City Football Group.
Castellanos signed a new 5 year contract on May 13 and any move abroad will be accompanied by a transfer fee to the MLS club. He is linked with the two-time defending Copa Libertadores champion and Brazilian champion Palmeiras, reportedly with a $4 million bid. After the 2021 season, the price of his services will be much higher.
