On Friday, New York City FC announced that they had successfully transferred star forward Valentn “Taty” Castellanos to S.S. Lazio in Italy for a transfer sum that set a new franchise record.
The MLS team withheld financial information, but according to numerous reports, Lazio paid approximately $16.7 million (€15m) to complete the deal.
Additionally, NYCFC will get a cut of any future transfer fees the Serie A team receives for the 24-year-old Argentine attacker.
During NYCFC’s run to their first MLS Cup, Castellanos scored three additional goals and contributed 19 goals overall to win the 2021 MLS Golden Boot.
Taty is a legend at NYCFC, according to sporting director David Lee. “We all wish Taty the best and are eager to follow his journey in Italy,” the statement continued.
Between 2018 and 22, Castellanos played 109 MLS games (91 starts) for New York City FC, scoring 50 goals and dishing out 20 assists. With four goals against Real Salt Lake in a single game in 2022, he established a new franchise mark.
Castellanos expressed his gratitude to everyone at NYCFC and City Football Group for always taking such good care of him and for helping to make the move possible. “It feels like we’re a family. I also want to thank the supporters who have cheered for me at every game and always believed in me.
“I’ll always be a supporter of NYCFC. My profession and my life have benefited greatly from the Club and the incredible individuals there. I am beyond thrilled to be playing in Europe and the Champions League, which has long been a goal of mine.
Castellanos departed New York in July 2022 to go on loan to Girona FC of La Liga, where he played in 37 games and recorded 14 goals and one assist. He defeated Real Madrid in a game and scored four goals.
