Leeds United had been in the market for a no.9 in the summer as a backup for Patrick Bamford though their plans didn’t materialize. The Peacocks missed out on signing Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere as the Belgian striker favoured a move to AC Milan. The Italian club were successful in hijacking the transfer and getting their man. The Peacocks finished the transfer window failing to strengthen the striking department with Victor Orta, the Director of Football at Leeds, looking at the January transfer window as an opportunity to sign a striker.
According to GiveMeSport’s Dean Jones, Leeds United and Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on New York City FC’s Valentin Castellanos. The Argentine striker moved to Girona in the summer on a loan deal and has impressed the scouts of both clubs with the 23-year-old scoring 13 times for the MLS club last season. Castellanos made over 100 appearances for New York City FC during his time in the MLS and is looking to move to a European club. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine provided some insight into his future plans. “Without a doubt, I want to stay in Europe. It’s always been my dream, that’s what I aspire to and that’s why I work every day. I feel I have what it takes to be in this league.”
Jesse Marsch’s side wants to look to sign a long-term striker with Patrick Bamford being injury prone and unable to remain fit for the majority of the season. Apart from Charles De Ketelaere, Leeds also made moves for Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng which were also unsuccessful as the duo were not convinced by the club’s project. Castellanos is the perfect striker Marsch is looking for to be the next no.9 at the club and replace Bamford. The Argentine has been a reliable goal scorer throughout his career and is also a pressing forward who initiates the press for his side. Leeds have adopted an intensive pressing approach in their game which makes the 23-year-old the perfect candidate.
The Peacocks will return in the January transfer window to assess their options or opt to wait until the next summer window to sign Castellanos. If the deal materializes, it will be the second signing from the MLS for Marsch who recommended the signing of Brenden Aaronsen in the summer.
