Key Points:
- West Ham United are reportedly close to signing Lazio forward Valentín “Taty” Castellanos for around €29 million.
- The move, first reported by Transfermarkt, marks one of the club’s first significant transfer moves in the January window.
- Castellanos, 25, has previously played for New York City FC in Major League Soccer and Girona FC in Spain’s La Liga.
- The Argentine is known for his versatility, link-up play, and pressing ability rather than prolific goal-scoring.
- Lazio are reshaping their squad this winter, with Niclas Füllkrug joining AC Milan on loan, clearing space for Castellanos’ departure.
- West Ham are also eyeing Brazilian striker Pablo from Gil Vicente as further reinforcement.
- The deal could be decisive for West Ham, who are aiming to add attacking firepower to avoid relegation battles in the Premier League.
West Ham United’s search for attacking reinforcements appears to be nearing a breakthrough, with Lazio forward Valentín “Taty” Castellanos increasingly likely to make a move to East London this January.
According to a report by Transfermarkt, the Argentine striker is set to complete a €29 million transfer from Serie A side Lazio, pending final agreement on personal terms. The move positions Castellanos as one of West Ham’s first major signings of the January transfer window — a critical phase as David Moyes looks to rejuvenate his squad for the remainder of the Premier League season.
As Fabrizio Romano reported via X, West Ham and Lazio have reached “advanced” stages in negotiations, with the structure of payment and potential performance-related add-ons under discussion. Romano added that “Castellanos has always been appreciated by West Ham scouts” due to his strong pressing game and adaptability.
Why are West Ham targeting Taty Castellanos?
The pursuit of Castellanos stems from West Ham’s pressing need for attacking depth following injuries and inconsistent form in the first half of the season. With Michail Antonio sidelined and Danny Ings yet to rediscover his clinical touch, Moyes has been open about the club’s search for a forward who can offer energy, movement, and technical link-up play.
As The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg wrote earlier this week, Moyes “wants a striker capable of leading the line but also supporting attacking midfielders like Bowen and Paquetá.” Castellanos, known for his work ethic and intelligence off the ball, fits that profile. During his time with Lazio, he netted 22 goals in 98 appearances across all competitions — not a prolific tally, but one that reflects a selfless tactical contribution.
In an interview quoted by Transfermarkt, Italian football analyst Stefano Buonfino explained:
“Castellanos is an untypical striker. He’s difficult to evaluate because his added value isn’t just his goals but how he fits into the team. He helps his teammates on and off the ball, linking play effectively and pressing with intensity. His presence makes others better.”
What is the structure of the reported transfer deal?
As reported by Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, the two clubs have agreed in principle on a fee of €29 million, including bonuses tied to appearances and performance milestones. West Ham are believed to be offering a contract until 2029, illustrating the club’s long-term faith in the Argentine forward.
The move gains further context as Lazio recalibrate their attacking options. According to Corriere dello Sport, Lazio’s management have been open to selling one of their foreign strikers to balance their wage bill and prepare for future reinforcements. With Niclas Füllkrug arriving at AC Milan and Ciro Immobile still the established No. 9, Castellanos’ exit appears mutually beneficial.
How did Castellanos’ career lead to this pivotal move?
Valentín Castellanos’ football journey has been anything but conventional. Born in Mendoza, Argentina, he began his professional career at Universidad de Chile before making a breakthrough move to MLS side New York City FC in 2018. His development accelerated in the United States, where his movement, pace, and pressing intensity caught the attention of European scouts.
In 2021, Castellanos won the MLS Golden Boot, scoring 19 goals in the regular season and earning the title of MLS Cup MVP after leading NYCFC to their first-ever championship. His success prompted a €15 million transfer to Girona FC in Spain’s La Liga in 2022. There, he made global headlines by scoring four goals against Real Madrid in a single match, a performance widely covered by major outlets including BBC Sport and Marca.
Following his stellar La Liga campaign, Lazio acquired Castellanos in 2023. Though his scoring slowed in Serie A, he maintained a strong reputation as a team-oriented forward, often used in rotation with Immobile. Now, as reported by Football Italia, Lazio’s coach Maurizio Sarri has given “the green light” for his sale to West Ham, acknowledging the player’s desire for more consistent Premier League minutes.
What can West Ham fans expect from Castellanos on the pitch?
In stylistic terms, Castellanos brings attributes reminiscent of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino or Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez — a forward who thrives in collective systems, combining understated technical ability with dogged defensive work.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, former Girona teammate Oriol Romeu described Castellanos as “a nightmare for defenders — he runs non-stop, presses high, and always plays for the team.” Those qualities align seamlessly with David Moyes’ tactical philosophy, which prioritises structured pressing and quick transitions.
Analysts at WhoScored highlight Castellanos’ strengths in “aerial duels, through balls, and link-up play,” though they note his shot conversion rate remains an area for improvement. With Jarrod Bowen often deployed as a central attacker this season, Castellanos could either serve as a natural No. 9 or as a hybrid who drops deeper to connect play.
How does this signing fit into West Ham’s broader transfer strategy?
This deal forms part of West Ham’s ongoing rebuild, focusing on younger, dynamic talent capable of evolving within the club’s medium-term project. Sporting director Tim Steidten has been central to identifying undervalued markets in South America and Southern Europe, with the Hammers now competing more aggressively in international scouting.
In addition to Castellanos, Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reported that West Ham remain in discussions with Portuguese club Gil Vicente for Brazilian striker Pablo. These signings follow a trend established last summer, when the club secured Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus — both high-energy players in their mid-twenties.
Financially, the €29 million outlay signals West Ham’s commitment to strengthening ahead of a crucial second half of the season. With the Premier League table tightening around mid-position teams, Moyes aims to push for a top-half finish rather than another relegation fight.
How have fans and pundits reacted to the potential transfer?
Reaction among supporters has been cautiously optimistic. On social media, many fans reference Castellanos’ four-goal show against Real Madrid as evidence of his ability to shine on big occasions. However, others note his modest Serie A goal record as a point of concern.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, former West Ham player Carlton Cole commented:
“He’s got something about him — strong work rate, a bit of fire, and that South American grit. West Ham need energy and hunger up front. If he’s the one to deliver that, fans will be right behind him.”
Meanwhile, journalist Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports observed that “the move fits the club’s recruitment pattern under Steidten — targeting adaptable forwards with European experience but room for growth.”
What is next for Castellanos and West Ham United?
With negotiations now in advanced stages, medical and travel arrangements are expected to follow swiftly. Should the deal finalise within the next week, Castellanos could make his Premier League debut later this month, pending a work permit and registration deadlines.
West Ham’s next fixtures against Brighton and Wolverhampton present immediate opportunities for squad rotation and integration. Moyes will likely ease Castellanos into the lineup to build chemistry with Kudus and Bowen — two of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking midfielders this season.
