West Ham United made official this Monday, January 5, 2026, the signing of Argentine striker Valentín “Taty” Castellanos, coming from Lazio. The 27-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, with the option to extend for another season. The transfer frustrated previous interests from Brazilian clubs, such as Flamengo and Palmeiras, who had monitored the athlete for the season.
Castellanos arrives at the English club to reinforce the offensive sector at a delicate moment in the Premier League. West Ham occupies a position in the relegation zone and seeks to improve its attacking performance. The Argentine could debut in the next match against Nottingham Forest, scheduled for Tuesday at Estádio Olímpico of Londres.
The player expressed enthusiasm about the change. Ele highlighted the importance of the challenge in the English league and the desire to contribute to the team.
Ready to make his mark 🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/3ZXRnoQhuv
—West Ham United (@WestHam)January 5, 2026
Trajectory of Taty Castellanos
Taty Castellanos began his career in South American clubs before standing out at New York City FC, in the Estados Unidos. Lá, won the MLS Cup and caught the attention of European teams. In 2022, he was loaned to Girona, in Espanha, where he scored 13 goals in 35 games, including four in a match against Real Madrid.
In Lazio, since 2023, the striker has played more than 90 games and scored around 20 goals in the Italian Serie A. In the previous season, he contributed with 14 goals and helped the team reach the quarter-finals of the Liga Europa. Nesta campaign, he recorded two goals and three assists in 11 matches, despite a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a period.
- Main passages:
- New York City FC: Campeão from MLS
- Girona: Destaque with goals against big teams
- Lazio: Participação in European competitions
Castellanos has two calls for the Argentine national team. Sua versatility allows him to play as a center forward or in deeper attacking positions.
Transfer details
The negotiation between West Ham and Lazio involved amounts close to 29 or 30 million euros, with possible additional bonuses. Parte of the amount will be passed on to New York City FC due to the percentage clause in future sales. The Italian club used the resources to settle accounts and plan new signings in the winter window.
West Ham acted quickly in the January market. The arrival of Castellanos follows the signing of another striker, Pablo, from Gil Vicente. Ambas operations aim to provide options to the coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who faces pressure for results.
The Argentine was identified as a priority target by the technical committee. Sua characteristics of high pressure and competitive spirit aligned with the needs of the English team.
Context in West Ham
West Ham is going through a negative streak in Premier League, with nine games without a win. The team scored just 21 goals in 20 rounds, one of the worst attacks in the competition. The board invested around 45 million euros in offensive reinforcements in the first days of the window.
Castellanos will receive the number 11 shirt, vacated after another player left for Milan. Sua rapid integration is expected for the clash against Nottingham Forest, another club in the fight against relegation.
The striker highlighted in an interview with the club’s official website his willingness to fight in each game. Ele mentioned energy and fighting spirit as main contributions to the group.
Recent player numbers
In the current season for Lazio, Castellanos played 12 games in all competitions. Registrou two goals and three assists before the transfer.
- Statistics on Lazio (2025/26):
- Games: 12
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 3
- Minutes played: Aproximadamente 800
In the previous campaign, the Argentine was more prolific, with 14 goals in different competitions. Sua experience in different leagues prepares you to adapt to the intensity of Premier League.
Structure with bullet points for highlights
West Ham seeks immediate recovery from the table.
- Current position: Zona relegation
- Points for security: Quatro difference
- Next game: Contra Nottingham Forest
The signing reflects an urgent reinforcement strategy in the attack. Castellanos brings the profile of a worker and finisher, elements valued by the technician.
Attacker statements
Castellanos spoke about his motivation for the new challenge. Ele emphasized the desire to help the team as much as possible.
“I’m very happy because it’s an important challenge for me personally,” said the player. “I came to contribute and bring energy to each match.”
His words reinforce his commitment to the London club from the beginning.
Perspective on Premier League
Premier League requires quick adaptation from players coming from other leagues. Castellanos has experience in MLS, La Liga and Serie A to facilitate the transition.
West Ham plans to use the Argentine in a scheme that values pressure and counterattacks. Sua presence should complement other newly signed attackers.
The fans are waiting for a positive impact in the next rounds. The team needs points to move away from the dangerous zone.