Report: NYCFC want more than $15M for Castellanos

New York City FC are seeking more than $15 million for Valentin "Taty" Castellanos after the forward's stellar 2021 MLS campaign, according to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle and Daniel Bocatto.

Palmeiras reportedly fell short of NYCFC's valuation with an offer worth around $12.5 million. The Brazilian club made its bid after Castellanos scored in normal time and converted a penalty in the shootout of NYCFC's MLS Cup final win over the Portland Timbers.

The 23-year-old's strike in the final took him to 40 goals and 18 assists over 99 regular season and playoff appearances with NYCFC since he initially joined on loan from Uruguay's Torque in 2018. He was directly involved in 30 goals in 2021 alone.

Castellanos has previously voiced his wish to play in his native Argentina but has made it clear that he's currently focused on taking his talents to Europe.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he believes Castellanos is ready for a move across the Atlantic Ocean. Both Manchester City and NYCFC are owned by City Football Group.

"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," Guardiola said earlier in December, according to ESPN's Rob Dawson.