In a significant move, West Ham are about to complete the signing of striker Taty Castellanos from Lazio. On Friday, the player said his goodbyes at the training ground and emptied his locker.
The Italian club are expected to earn €30m from the attacker’s exit, which will come as a welcome capital gain. Castellanos joined Lazio for €15m in 2023 and amidst financial worries, his exit will be a big boost and unlock potential signings for January.
Journalist Giulio Cardone has spoken to RadioSeiLazio about the 27-year-old’s move to West Ham, explaining how the deal took off quickly.
He said – relayed by Lazialita: “About a month ago I told you about a connection between the Premier League and Serie A, linked to the sale of Füllkrug to Milan.
“At that moment I thought that West Ham were serious about Castellanos. The acceleration occurred between 29th and 30th December. A lightning negotiation in the final part, this morning the operation will be formalised.”
Cardone used the transfer to talk about the growing financial gap between Italian sides and English clubs.
“The gap between the Premier League and other leagues has widened. Lazio couldn’t refuse these figures. This transfer unlocks the transfer market. Castellanos was one of those players with a high market value, as were Gila and Guendouzi.”
West Ham formation needs to suit new signing
West Ham’s €30m offer surprised Lazio, with the striker having managed only two goals and three assists this season.
He scored ten league goals during the 2024/25 campaign, and has been an inconsistent performer over a longer stretch of games. Notably, he had to overcome a major hamstring injury earlier in the season, which further disrupted his rhythm.
Castellanos has never appeared a proper number nine, appearing as someone who would operate better in a front two.
This could suggest that Nuno Espirito Santo can shift to a permanent front two in the next few weeks. He has used that 3-4-1-2 or a 4-3-1-2 multiple times and considering Castellanos’ strengths, that could be the way forward.
