Valentin Castellanos believes now is the time to make his move to Europe after impressing in the MLS. The New York City striker is one of a number of forwards linked with a move to Leeds United this summer.
Jesse Marsch knows it's an area of the Whites squad that needs improving after a struggling to find the back of the net last season. Patrick Bamford's injury also played a huge part in their struggles, but having already signed six players so far this window, Leeds are wasting no time in addressing problem areas.
Castellanos scored 23 times during 2021 and has hit the back of the net 16 times so far in 2022. His performances in the MLS have caught the eye of Premier League scouts with Leeds, Newcastle United and Everton reportedly keen on the forward.
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The Argentine U23's player helped fire New York City to MLS Cup glory last season and is on track to finish as the top scorer in the competition this season.
Speaking to TUDN, he said: "I’ve been in this league for a while. I’d like to keep growing. Being young and having the chance to go to another league in Europe, I think it would be a big thing and a dream come true for me.
“Sometimes you’re not ready or it’s not the right time. But, right now, I’m at my best. I think right now it is an opportunity, and it would be very good to continue growing in Europe and continue doing what I have been doing here.
“I had the opportunity to win the Golden Boot last year, to be champion of the Eastern Conference and to be champion of the entire league. I have nothing more to win here.
“I’m competing for the Golden Boot again and I don’t put a ceiling on myself. I always want more. I want to keep winning things, be the best player in my position, the best player in my team.”
“Although there have been no concrete offers at this time, I am calm. At the same time, I want to continue my development somewhere else. That would be very good too, for my development and to be able to see how far I can go and see where I fit in Europe. It is a goal that I would like to have and see where I am at a European level.”
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