By Conor Hogan

West Ham have completed the signing of Lazio striker Taty Castellanos as they attempt to preserve their Premier League status this season.

The 27-year-old becomes the Hammers’ second attacking addition of an already busy January transfer window, following the arrival of fellow striker Pablo Felipe. After years of struggles in the No.9 position, it is at least encouraging to see West Ham address a this weakness with urgency.

Castellanos arrives from Lazio with a return of 22 goals and 16 assists in 98 appearances for the Italian side, and now faces the unenviable task of helping Nuno Espírito Santo’s side avoid relegation.

However, concerns remain — not least because of the reported €29 million fee involved. Reaction from Lazio supporters has been mixed, though many appear content with the price received for the striker. 

Castellanos joined the Serie A club from New York City FC in 2023 for around €18 million, and while expectations were high, he never truly convinced large sections of the fanbase.

The Argentine has often been described as “inconsistent” and “underwhelming” during his time in Rome. Last season, he scored 10 goals in 29 Serie A appearances — a return that would be considered more than acceptable by West Ham standards. 

Since the West Ham’s promotion in 2012, Diafra Sakho, Marko Arnautović and Michail Antonio are the only strikers that have reached double figures in a Premier League campaign for the Irons.

This season, Castellanos has managed two goals and three assists in 694 league minutes for a Lazio side currently sitting ninth in Serie A. Those numbers are underwhelming on paper, although it is worth noting that a hamstring injury kept him sidelined for six matches.

One encouraging aspect of Castellanos’ game is his ability to link play. His movement and combination play could prove valuable for Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, whose own outputs have suffered in a dysfunctional West Ham attack. If Castellanos can elevate those around him, his signing may yet prove worthwhile.

Ultimately, this is a significant gamble.

West Ham are spending big on a striker whose ability divides opinion at a time when margins are razor-thin. 

Yet, unlike previous high-profile signings such as Gianluca Scamacca or Sébastien Haller, expectations at London Stadium are now so low that Castellanos may benefit from a lack of immediate pressure.

That said, if West Ham are to survive this season, Castellanos will have to deliver between now and May. The Hammers’ long-running striker curse cannot afford another chapter — because if this move fails, things in East London may soon look even bleaker.