New York City FC announced Thursday that forward Valentin Castellanos signed a three-year extension with the team through the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old Castellanos is off to a hot start and became the fifth player in MLS history to score goals in four consecutive games to begin a season.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Taty has signed a contract extension,” sporting director David Lee said of Castellanos, referring to him by his nickname. “Since arriving at the club as a 19-year-old, he has developed into a complete forward and has become an integral part of our team. He is proving to be one of the most effective forwards in the league.”
Castellanos has recorded 22 goals and 11 assists in 64 appearances (46 starts) since joining the club in 2018. The Argentina native’s best campaign was in 2019 when he had 11 goals and seven assists in 30 matches (23 starts).
“I’m very happy about this opportunity the club is giving me,” Castellanos said in a news release. “The people here have my back and help me to be a better person and player every day. I’m happy to keep developing my career with the club.
“What I like about the club is the people. The people that work here. My teammates that help me grow day after day. I’m very happy and calm here. I feel the respect from everyone that works here, and I think it’s a wonderful situation for me and my career to continue with this club.”
NYCFC coach Ronny Deila certainly is happy to see Castellanos in the fold for nearly five more seasons.
“He comes to training every day with an incredible work ethic that has allowed him to improve tremendously,” Deila said in the release. “He gets himself into great positions on the pitch and is a handful for our opponents’ defenders. I’m excited to continue to work with him and he has every chance to have a big career and reach that next level.”
NYCFC (2-1-1, 7 points) hosts Toronto FC on Saturday.
–Field Level Media