Taty Watch has lasted much longer than anticipated and, with less than a week left before the European window closes, an unexpected time crunch has presented itself if Castellanos will be moving to Europe.
It’s been widely assumed that Castellanos would depart NYCFC this winter, with the club rejecting a $12.5 million bid from Brazil’s Palmeiras (as first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle) for the Argentine forward a month ago. The Cityzens were holding out for $15 million. Still no deal, and with not much reporting on the matter of late, there are more questions than answers.
Latest reports suggest that Argentina’s River Plate want to make a move for Castellanos, as they’re set to move budding star Julian Alvarez to Manchester City. In Europe, Castellanos has been loosely linked with English clubs, but nothing too strong. He was previously thought to be a target of Italy’s Fiorentina, which may heat back up now as they’re in the process of selling star striker Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus.
Castellanos is in preseason with his NYCFC teammates. The club could have him stick around for the beginning of the season, make a push at the Concacaf Champions League and reevaluate offers in the summer, a more active market for European clubs. A month ago I wrote that “it’d be borderline shocking for Castellanos to be on NYCFC’s roster on February 1.” The idea isn’t looking so “borderline shocking” now.
The 23-year-old just wrapped up a career year in which he won the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi, with 19 goals and eight assists in the regular season, then helped NYCFC win MLS Cup 2021 over Portland.
Musical chairs. Where will Castellanos be once the music stops?
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