West Ham confirm the arrival of Taty Castellanos from Lazio on a four-and-a-half-year contract, in a deal reportedly worth 25.2m (29m). The Argentina forward becomes West Ham’s second January signing after Pablo. Castellanos is expected to be available for the crucial Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on 6 January 2026.
The move increases competition in West Ham’s attack, but it may also trigger departures. Following Castellanos’ signing, fellow forward Callum Wilson is reportedly in talks to leave the London Stadium. Wilson joined on a free transfer five months ago and has scored four Premier League goals during the current campaign.
Castellanos joined Lazio from New York City FC in 2023 and featured regularly across competitions.
The forward made 98 appearances for the Serie A side and scored 22 goals. That spell in Italy followed a strong period in Major League Soccer, which helped build Castellanos’ reputation in European football.
Playing time has reduced this season at Lazio, which likely influenced the Premier League switch. Castellanos made only 11 league appearances, scoring twice from 2.0 expected goals (xG). The forward also produced three assists, created eight chances and contributed mainly as a rotational option rather than a regular starter.
Ready to make his mark pic.twitter.com/3ZXRnoQhuvWest Ham United (@WestHam) January 5, 2026
"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," Castellanos told the club's website. "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. I hope to give my all to the fans. I've always defended the jersey of every team with the utmost responsibility, and I want to tell them that I'm going to give everything to defend this jersey, and obviously, to achieve our goals day after day. That's the most important thing. "
West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League table, four points behind Nottingham Forest before their meeting this week. Pressure is growing on head coach Nuno Espirito Santo as the club battles to move clear of the relegation zone. Castellanos’ arrival is aimed at adding goals and intensity to West Ham’s attack.
The West Ham Taty Castellanos transfer therefore combines squad reshaping with immediate survival needs. The club strengthen the forward line, while Wilson’s possible exit may further adjust options in attack. With Forest next and the season at a critical stage, Castellanos’ impact could be important for West Ham’s campaign.
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