Pep Guardiola
New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos could be heading to the Premier League after impressing a number of clubs across Europe – as well as catching Pep Guardiola’s eye. The Manchester City manager was working out of the MLS club’s training ground as part of his pre-season in 2018 when Castellanos first arrived there, and the 23-year-old has gone on to shine; he picked up the Golden Boot in the regular season this year with 19 goals and eight assists, and also scored the opening goal in the final of the MLS Cup on Sunday to see them down Portland Timbers and claim their first-ever title.
Pep Guardiola said: “I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe. What I saw when the scouting department talk to me, when [former New York City manager] Dome Torrent said when I was there [in 2018] and talk about him, I know he is a quality player and I think he is ready to make the next step to Europe. We will see where.”
NYCFC are believed to have already fielded enquiries from clubs including West Ham and Besiktas, although it remains to be seen if anyone will meet the £15m valuation.
