MLS
NYCFC rejects Besiktas offer for Valentín Castellanos
The New York-based team made it to the MLS Cup final for the first time in franchise history and the people in charge don’t want to lose their star player.
Valentín Castellanos led the New York City Football Club to the 2021 MLS Cup final where they will play the Portland Timbers on 11 December. It is the first time in franchise history NYCFC have made it to the MLS showpiece game and the Argentine under-23 international has been a key part of the club with his 19 goals and eight assists during the regular campaign.
Besiktas keen on signing Castellanos
The 23-year-old won the 2021 Golden Boot award, becoming the first Argentine to win it and the first player in New York City FC’s history to land the accolade. His breakout campaign has attracted the attention European clubs who are keen on signing him during the next transfer window, but NYCFC's owners are determined to retain him.
According to multiple reports, the bosses at New York City FC have received several bids for Castellanos and the latest team to make an offer is Turkish side Besiktas. However, that bid was rejected out of hand because NYCFC are hopeful they can retain him for the 2022 season.
This is not the first time NYCFC have rejected an offer for Castellanos. During the summer transfer window Palmeiras offered $2.5 million for the Argentine striker, but the MLS side decided to keep him for the rest of the campaign and it paid off, with the team preparing for the most important game in franchise history.