MLS
Manchester City: Guardiola says NYCFC's Valentín Castellanos is ready to play in Europe
The Argentine, who won the golden boot this campaign, helped New York City FC win the 2021 MLS Cup and he is ready to make the switch to Europe.
Valentín Castellas had a breakout season with New York City Football Club, scoring 19 goals during the regular season to land the 2021 Golden Boot award. The under-23 international became the first Argentinean player in Major League Soccer to win the award and led NYCFC to the 2021 MLS Cup title, the first in franchise history, defeating the Portland Timbers in the final.
Castellanos ready to play in Europe - Guardiola
Last week it was reported that several clubs in Europe are keen on signing Castellanos and that NYCFC's owners rejected an offer from Turkish side Besiktas. The Argentine striker has been linked with a move to Europe and as NYCFC are part of the City Football Group, Pep Guardiola talked about his future.
"I think he is a guy who will take the next step in Europe," Manchester City manager Guardiola, told a news conference on Monday. "What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, I know he's a quality player and ready to make the next step to Europe and we will see where."
"We watched it in the restaurant and we couldn't believe it," said Guardiola. "I was really impressed with the way they handled the extra time. When you concede a goal with 10 seconds left before finishing the game and being champions and have extra time you can be destroyed.
"But in extra time, wow, they were much, much better. That shows how strong these players are, and the manager. It's a huge compliment for the organisation for New York City because it is the first time and always the first time is special."