Player behind four-goal haul against Real Madrid admits ‘dream’ of joining Manchester City

Valentin Castellanos has admitted that joining Manchester City is a ‘dream’ for him, just days after scoring four goals against La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The 24 year-old is widely regarded by those within the City Football Group project as being the prized possession of the portfolio, and the star-man at present following his impressive rise throughout clubs within the business.

Initially joining Montevideo Torque in Uruguay prior to their CFG takeover, Castellanos then made the switch to New York City FC on an initial loan deal that became permanent in 2019.

After making over 100 appearances for the Major League Soccer giants, ‘Taty’ Castellanos’ talents were then identified by those within the City Football Group as being of the standard to compete in La Liga with Girona – joining the Spanish league club on loan last summer.

Now, just days after becoming the first player to scour four goals against Real Madrid in a league match since December 1947, transfer information surrounding the Argentine forward has gone into overdrive – including the possibility of him stepping up the to poster club of the City Football Group project, Manchester City.

Speaking this week to D Sports Radio, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Castellanos was quizzed on the idea of joining Pep Guardiola and his Premier League champions at Manchester City, to which he admitted such a prospect would be a ‘dream’.

Castellanos explained, “Being at (Manchester) City, with (Pep) Guardiola, (Erling) Haaland, with Julian (Alvarez), obviously it’s a dream. Today I’m not thinking about it, I’m focused on Girona.”

Guardiola himself has previously been keen to praise the Girona star forward, stating back in December 2021 that the youngster was ready at the time to make the next step into European football.

“He’s a guy who will do the next step in Europe,” said the Manchester City manager. “What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, we talked about him. He has the quality. He is ready to make the step to Europe, we’ll see where.”

Despite him grabbing the headlines for a number of months now, and most recently following his performance against Real Madrid, sources from England have revealed what many clubs may deem to be a bargain valuation on the player.

As per Martin Blackburn of The Sun, Castellanos is valued at £13 million, with sources at the City Football Group believing that clubs in England and Germany are already circling around the player.