West Ham United have made a bold move in the January transfer window, unveiling Argentine striker Valentín “Taty” Castellanos as their marquee signing in a bid to revitalize their faltering Premier League campaign. The 27-year-old forward arrives from Lazio on a four-and-a-half-year contract with an option for a further year, with the reported fee hovering around £27 million. Castellanos’ arrival, paired with the earlier acquisition of Brazilian striker Pablo Felipe for £17 million, marks a £44 million investment aimed at transforming a frontline that has struggled for goals all season.
For manager Nuno Espírito Santo, under increasing pressure after a string of disappointing results, the signing represents both a lifeline and a statement of intent. West Ham currently find themselves in 18th place, sitting squarely in the relegation zone ahead of a crucial clash with Nottingham Forest—who are four points clear in 17th—on January 6, 2026. Nuno, who only took charge in September, had reportedly identified Castellanos as a key target, and the club’s hierarchy appears to have backed him by delivering not one, but two new attacking options before the first week of the year was out.
Castellanos’ journey to the Premier League has been anything but straightforward. After making his mark with New York City FC, where he won the MLS Cup and claimed the 2021 Golden Boot, he moved to Europe, first joining Girona and then signing a five-year deal with Lazio in 2023. While his time in Serie A was a mixed bag—scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists in 98 appearances—his ability to produce moments of magic was never in doubt. Who could forget the night he netted four goals against Real Madrid in La Liga? Still, Lazio fans and pundits alike felt his overall tally fell short of expectations.
Injuries also played their part, with a hamstring issue hampering his most recent campaign in Italy. Nevertheless, Castellanos managed two goals in 12 appearances for Lazio this season before making the switch to London. His international career is just beginning to blossom as well, having earned two caps for Argentina since his debut in 2024.
The parallels between Castellanos and West Ham’s legendary Argentine, Carlos Tevez, have not gone unnoticed. Tevez famously spearheaded the Hammers’ “Great Escape” from relegation in 2007, and Castellanos himself is not shying away from the comparison. “I take on that responsibility [of emulating past Argentine icons]. The most important thing is to achieve all the goals here, training after training, day after day,” Castellanos told the club’s official website. “Obviously it was a dream of mine since I was a kid to be able to play in this league. I always watched it when I was little, I saw many Argentinian players like Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta… many high-level players who have played in this league and many are still here.”
He added, “Obviously, I want to continue this legacy of the players. It would be wonderful. Working hard every day would be the most important thing. Obviously the players you mentioned are very well-known and very historic players here at West Ham. Obviously, it’s always good to have Argentinians in such historic teams as West Ham. So, well, I hope to be able to follow in their footsteps.”
Castellanos’ confidence and determination have already made an impression at the London Stadium. “I’m happy with the welcome. It’s definitely a challenge [but] I’m really happy because it’s a very important challenge for me personally and I’ve come to contribute, to try to help the team as much as I can,” he said. “The guys have welcomed me really well, the coach and all. I want to bring that energy, that fighting spirit I have inside, so we can get results in this second round of Premier League matches. So, I hope I can help in any way I can with my experience, try to help the team stay at the top.”
West Ham’s attacking woes have been well documented. Prior to the arrival of Castellanos and Felipe, Nuno had only the aging Callum Wilson as a natural center-forward. Now, with two fresh faces in the squad, Nuno has options—and perhaps a glimmer of hope. There is speculation that both new signings could start together, which might require tactical tweaks, such as shifting Lucas Paqueta out wide to accommodate the duo. With the club’s Premier League status hanging in the balance, every decision will be scrutinized by a fanbase desperate for survival.
For Castellanos, the move to West Ham is more than just a new challenge; it’s an opportunity to make his mark on the world’s most-watched league. The Premier League’s global reach means that his performances in claret and blue will be seen by millions, raising his profile and, by extension, that of his former club New York City FC. The transfer also carries financial implications for NYCFC, who are set to receive a sell-on clause payment from Lazio’s sale—though the exact amount remains undisclosed. Reports suggest the fee paid by West Ham is between 20 and 30 million euros.
NYCFC fans will be watching closely, hoping Castellanos can prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages and serve as a shining example of the club’s ability to develop talent for Europe’s elite leagues. His journey from MLS to La Liga, Serie A, and now the Premier League underscores the growing reputation of NYCFC as a launchpad for ambitious young players. As one FanSided MLS piece put it, “If the 2021 Golden Boot winner in Major League Soccer does well with West Ham, then NYCFC can use Castellanos as a recent example of a young player who developed with the club and then played in La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League.”
Castellanos’ unveiling has certainly raised expectations, with Hammers supporters daring to dream of a Tevez-style turnaround. But the task ahead is daunting. West Ham have not been relegated since 2011, and the pressure to avoid the drop is immense. Castellanos is keenly aware of the stakes. “Every match is a battle, and I’m here to contribute that, to try to bring that energy, that fighting spirit I have inside, so that every match is as important and as tough as possible,” he said. His determination is palpable, but only time will tell if he can deliver the goals and inspiration needed to spark a revival.
As West Ham prepare to face Nottingham Forest, all eyes will be on Castellanos and Felipe. Can the new-look attack fire the Hammers to safety? The answer will unfold over the coming weeks, but one thing is certain—Valentín Castellanos has arrived in London with big dreams and an even bigger responsibility.
