TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report
New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos has drawn the attention of 2020 Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras, according to a report from respected Argentina-based journalist German Garcia Grova.
As the report outlines, Castellanos would join the Brazilian Serie A powerhouse from NYCFC on a year-long loan with an option to buy. Any move would mark a return to South America for the Argentine U-23 international (six caps), who began his professional career with Universidad de Chile before heading to Uruguayan outfit Torque.
Since coming to MLS, Castellanos has 18 goals and 10 assists through 60 games, 42 of them starts. Initially signed on loan, Castellanos has helped NYCFC make three straight trips to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. He led NYCFC with six goals scored a season ago.
Should Castellanos head to Palmeiras, it’d be the second marquee loan departure from NYCFC in the past four months. They previously loaned Alexandru Mitrita to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli Saudi FC until Jan. 31, 2022, opening up a Designated Player spot.
NYCFC are entering their second year with Ronny Deila as head coach. Aside from Castellanos, other key pieces in the final third are forward Heber and midfielder Maxi Moralez.
