West Ham United announced the signing of the Argentine strikerTaty Castellanos, coming from Lazio, in an operation valued at around 30 million euros. The transfer took place at the start of the January 2026 window, with the English club moving quickly in negotiations to secure the 27-year-old player.
The agreement includes a long-term contract for the center forward, who stood out in previous spells and is now part of the squad led by Nuno Espírito Santo. The move represents a significant reinforcement for the Hammers attack, which seeks to improve performance at Premier League.
Meanwhile, Flamengo, which had maintained an interest in the player for months, saw the possibility of signing end with the Argentine’s preference for continuity at Europa.
- Main transfer details:
- Approximate fixed value of €29 to €30 million;
- Contract for four to five seasons;
- Former club New York City FC receives percentage of sale.
🚨⚒️ Taty Castellanos to West Ham, here we go! Deal agreed for €29m from Lazio.
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)January 1, 2026
Agreement in place also over long term deal for the Argentinian striker. 🇦🇷
West Ham sign both Castellanos and Pablo (from Gil Vicente) upfront.pic.twitter.com/ffNAI4zLjn
Trajectory of Taty Castellanos
Taty CastellanosHe began his professional career at Argentina and gained prominence at New York City FC, where he won the MLS Chuteira and Ouro in previous seasons. Sua’s time at Girona, on loan, also contributed to development before arriving at Lazio in 2023.
For the Italian team, the striker played 97 games and scored 22 goals in total. Nesta season, he registered two goals and three assists in 12 matches, demonstrating versatility in the offensive sector despite occasional injuries.
Experts highlight his ability to link plays and high pressure. Essas characteristics make him a suitable profile for English football, where he can act as a reference or in partnership with other attackers.
The player expressed a preference for remaining on the European continent. Essa decision directly influenced the outcome of the negotiations.
Negotiations with Lazio
Negotiations between West Ham and Lazio advanced in the first days of 2026, with initial offers raised to the level accepted by the Italians. The Roman club used the resources to balance accounts and plan new signings in the winter market.
Lazio was facing recent financial constraints, and the sale ofTaty Castellanosfreed up space for movement. Relatos indicate that part of the value will be reinvested in reinforcements for the attack.
New York City FC, the training club, receives around 10% of the amount due to the solidarity clause. Essa division is common in international transfers involving South American players.
The speed at which the deal was concluded surprised observers. West Ham prioritized immediate reinforcement for the second half of the season.
Flamengo’s interest in the market
Flamengo monitoredTaty Castellanosas an option for the attack in 2026, but did not come up with a proposal competitive enough to rival the English offer. The red-black club directed its efforts to other alternatives in the national and international market.
Currently, Rubro-Negro is negotiating with Cruzeiro for the signing of Kaio Jorge, presenting values in the region of 24 million euros plus players. Essa operation aims to complement the squad led by Filipe Luís.
- Other names evaluated by Flamengo:
- Strikers with a mobility and finishing profile;
- Priority for reserve center forward at Pedro;
- Search for financial balance in acquisitions.
The transfer window remains open, and the Rio club is continuing to look to strengthen the offensive sector.
Technical profile of the new reinforcement
Taty CastellanosHe measures 1.78m and plays predominantly as a center forward, but offers varied tactical options. Sua physical strength allows for aerial contests, while pivoting ability facilitates quick transitions.
At Serie A, he contributed not only with goals, but with assists and participation in the construction of plays. Analistas Italians describe him as a complete player, capable of putting pressure on the opponent’s defense and creating spaces for teammates.
In West Ham, he is expected to integrate alongside other recently signed attackers such as Pablo from Gil Vicente. Essa duo aims to increase competitiveness in the English attack.
The Argentine has been called up to the national team in youth categories. Agora seeks to consolidate its presence with a view to future competitions.
Parallel movements in West Ham
West Ham carried out multiple operations at the beginning of the window, including the arrival of another South American attacker. Essas acquisitions reflect the strategy of strengthening the squad to avoid difficulties in the Premier League table.
Departures like the one from Niclas Füllkrug to Milan opened up space in the budget. The resources allowed investments directed to the offensive sector.
The London club faces pressure for results. The new signings arrive to fill gaps identified in the current season.
The adaptation ofTaty Castellanosthe pace of the English league will be closely watched in the coming months.
Alternatives in the Brazilian market
With the transfer ofTaty Castellanosset for Europa, Brazilian clubs redirect their attention to available options. Flamengo, in particular, intensifies internal conversations about priorities for 2026.
Kaio Jorge emerges as a central name in the discussions. The Cruzeiro striker recorded impressive numbers in the last season of Brasileirão.
Other profiles include promising young players and players with international experience. The market remains dynamic in the first days of the year.
Competition for qualified center forwards remains high. Clubes monitor opportunities both abroad and nationally.
West Ham successfully completed the hiring ofTaty Castellanos, paying an amount close to 30 million euros to Lazio. The Argentine signs a long contract and reinforces the English attack from January 2026.
This movement ends speculations involving Flamengo. The club chose not to match the European proposal.
The player arrives motivated for a new challenge at Premier League. Sua versatility should contribute to the Hammers’s tactical scheme.
The operation benefits all parties involved. Lazio obtains important resources, while West Ham gains a qualified option in the squad.
