MLS transfer rumor: Valentin Castellanos to leave NYCFC for Europe

A strong MLS transfer rumor has just set alarm bells ringing at NYCFC: Valentin Castellanos is leaving for Europe to play for West Ham United, according to the English media The Sun. 

The MLS Golden Boot winner and undisputed factor for his team to have won the MLS Cup could leap the Premier League, as the Hammers are willing to pay the player's clause. 

According to the aforementioned English media, David Moyes, current West Ham coach, would like "Taty" Castellanos to play alongside Michail Antonio, and thus, have a killer duo in the Premier League. 

How much would West Ham United pay for Taty Castellanos?

The media assured that the Hammers are willing to pay the clause of the 23-year-old player, which has a value close to 20 million dollars, with the aim of Castellanos joining the team in January. 

In this way, the player would go from a champion team to one that has been playing very well in its championship. 

West Ham United has had a great semester as they are in fourth place in the competition, and are aiming to enter the Champions League. 

And to live up to the demands, the club needs players to give them depth on the field, which is why it is highly likely that Taty will leave MLS, to go play in Europe. 

Pep Guardiola's words made the player more attractive for the Hammers

Just a few days ago, Pep Guardiola's statements about the player were made public, which were probably the endorsement that Europe needed to go after the Argentine striker. 

The Catalan tactician and creator of the best Barcelona of all time said about Castellanos: "I think he is a guy who will take the next step in Europe". 

"What I saw when the scouting department spoke to me when Dome Torrent (former NYCFC coach and former technical assistant to Pep Guardiola) told me when I was there (in 2018) and we talked about him, I know he is a quality player and I think he is ready to make the jump to Europe. We'll see where," the coach finished off, in statements picked up by TUDN. 

In the same vein, some time ago Castellanos said about Guardiola: "It's difficult to get a call from Pep but it's a dream. Little by little, everything happens. I would love to be coached by him.

Castellanos is ready to conquer Europe

For Valentin Castellanos this year has been perfect: not only did he win the Golden Boot award for his 19 goals in 32 games in the MLS regular season. 

He had a streak of nine straight games scoring and in the MLS Cup, the player scored the goal who allowed his team to go up on the scoreboard in regular time. 

The play of the goal came after a service from Moralez to the center of the box. The ball fell right for Castellanos to finish and send the ball into the back of the net.

Thanks to this goal, New York City FC was able to take the lead in the match, although the game would later be tied by the Timbers.

But after overcoming the penalty shootout, were crowned MLS champions for the first time in their history. 

With the year that has just passed, the player is more than ready to conquer the major European leagues.