Softfootball understands that West Ham United are approaching a January transfer window that could shape the rest of their season, and maybe more than that. With results not coming and goals in short supply, the club are now pushing hard for Lazio striker Taty Castellanos, a move that has quietly moved into advanced talks.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, negotiations are nearing the final phase.
He said:
West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Taty Castellanos from Lazio after Pablo deal agreed with Gil Vicente. The agreement with Lazio and the Argentine striker, moving to the final stages.
Since replacing Graham Potter, Nuno Espírito Santo has been blunt about the task in front of him. Survival comes first. The Portuguese coach is looking for players who can handle pressure, scrap for points, and contribute immediately. Castellanos ticks several of those boxes.
The 27-year-old has built a reputation across different leagues. At Lazio, he’s been solid rather than spectacular, but his intensity and movement are well regarded. Lazio’s financial situation means they’re open to selling, with a price believed to be somewhere between €25m and €30m.
There’s also the situation with Niclas Füllkrug, who has been linked with a move to AC Milan, and his potential departure would leave West Ham painfully light up front, especially with Luis Guilherme making a move to Sporting.
Add in the club’s broader financial balancing act, plus the need to comply with FFP rules, and January starts to feel messy very quickly.
Castellanos is currently nursing a hamstring issue, which complicates things slightly. Still, West Ham remain keen. The player himself is said to be open to the move, seeing the Premier League as a platform ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Nuno has called this window a rescue mission. That doesn’t feel like exaggeration. Right now, West Ham United are not looking for perfection. They are looking for a lifeline.
