LEEDS UNITED ‘PERSISTENTLY PURSUING’ STRIKER FANS NEVER IMAGINED THE CLUB COULD TARGET

Leeds United’s hunt for attacking reinforcements has swung firmly toward Italy, with multiple reports in the Italian press claiming the Championship side are stepping up their pursuit of Lazio striker Taty Castellanos ahead of the January transfer window.

The story first emerged through Il Messaggero, who revealed that Leeds have been following the Argentine forward closely since 2022. At that time, Castellanos was beginning to make a name for himself in Europe following his move from New York City FC, and scouts at Elland Road have continued to track his development ever since. According to the Italian outlet, the club believes January could finally be the right moment to make a move.

That initial report has now gathered momentum across other major publications in Italy, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, suggesting that interest from Leeds is real and not merely speculative. Gazzetta state that Leeds are “persistently pursuing” the 27-year-old striker and that Castellanos himself is increasingly open to a switch to England. While River Plate and Flamengo are also circling, the player’s priority reportedly remains proving himself in European football.

Castellanos joined Lazio in 2023 for around €15 million following a prolific spell in MLS and an eye-catching loan season at Girona in La Liga, where he famously scored four goals in a single match against Real Madrid. However, his time in Rome has been something of a mixed bag. Although his work ethic and tactical contribution have been praised, he has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter, continually competing with club legend Ciro Immobile for the centre-forward role.

With Lazio facing financial constraints and needing to balance the books, the club appears increasingly open to cashing in on the Argentine if the right offer arrives. Gazzetta dello Sport claim Lazio have set an asking price of around €30 million, a figure they believe fairly reflects his age, potential and European track record. However, that valuation is currently seen as steep by Leeds, who may prefer a structured deal or lower base fee. The expectation in Italy is that formal talks will take place soon, with negotiations likely required to find common ground.

Corriere dello Sport go even further, suggesting that Castellanos has “never been so close” to leaving Lazio as he is now. The report states that the club have given his agent the green light to explore options exclusively within Europe, reinforcing the idea that both player and club see his future remaining at the highest competitive level. Interestingly, while Corriere reference an even higher €35 million price tag, they also stress that Lazio’s real aim is to generate a capital gain. Since the striker cost €15 million, anything significantly above that figure would represent a financial boost — an important factor as the Roman club look to stabilise their accounts.

For Leeds, the interest in Castellanos underlines their ambition despite operating outside the Premier League. Daniel Farke’s side are pushing hard for promotion and recognise the need for added firepower to sustain their challenge over a gruelling second half of the season. Castellanos’ profile — a hardworking, mobile forward capable of linking play as well as scoring — is seen as a strong stylistic fit for the German coach.

There would, of course, be challenges. Competition from South American giants River Plate and Flamengo remains real, even if Europe is believed to be Castellanos’ preferred destination. The financial demands of the deal would also make it one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history, forcing Leeds to weigh ambition against sustainability.

Yet the signs from Italy suggest momentum is slowly building. The player is open. Lazio are listening. And Leeds, who have monitored him for over two years, finally look ready to test the waters.

Should negotiations progress positively, January could bring one of the most intriguing cross-continental transfer stories of the window — and potentially deliver Elland Road a new star striker determined to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages.