By Louis Nixon

The Hammers made a shock deal in order to secure Castellanos who’s been desperate to leave Lazio this summer and it appears, he’s got his wish. 

The Argentinian had allegedly been keen on joining West Ham ever since he had heard of the clubs interest which was driven by his dire to leave Lazio after a falling out with the manager, and the Italian sides new system not exactly being in favour of Castellanos’ playstyle with the forward usually playing better in a two upfront formation, as he tends to work of the other individual, holding up the ball and making the subsequent run. 

The deal has yet to be finalised but the fee has been agreed for an eye watering €29 million but it appears that other clubs had been sniffing around the player, one of the clubs being our relegation rivals in Leeds, and also, due to Nuno’s desire to have the player, we’ve gone and given into the demands to conclude the deal in quick fashion. 

Tatty Castellanos has been described in a variety of ways by Lazio fans, some are happy that they’ve sold him for the reported €29 million fee but others are disappointed that they’ve sold a talented player that’s dug deep for them in the moments required, and it is said that they’ll be much missing his work rate, to Lazio’s demise and the Hammers gain work rate is seriously what we need, towards the end of games we look lacklustre and tired in which having an established bench as well as Castellanos could make the difference, especially given that the Argentinian isn’t shy to producing the odd moment of magic.  

In terms of stats, his two major stints have been at the MLS and the Serie A at Lazio, where in 97 games, he achieved 38G/A and in the MLS, he played 106 matches, earning 70 G/A. The Hammers actually held interest in the player back in 2022 from his MLS rise, but he opted for a move staying in the City group and headed to Girona instead, before ending up at Lazio. 

Personally, he wouldn’t have been number one on my list for forwards to sign, especially given the price point, but to secure these deals you have to pay the price, and he’s a player whom Nuno wanted, which is good. He’s a player who works hard, digs deep and could be a solid signing for the Hammers if he can provide as much as he has at Lazio.