West Ham have wasted little time addressing their attacking crisis this January, moving swiftly to bring in fresh firepower as their relegation battle intensifies.
The Hammers have already wrapped up a deal for highly-rated Brazilian striker Pablo, who is en route to London to complete a transfer worth around €25 million (£21.8m).
The 21-year-old arrives from Gil Vicente as Nuno Espírito Santo’s first major signing of the window, with the club desperate to add goals to a side currently stuck in 18th place. Pablo’s form in Portugal has been eye-catching, with nine goals this season — more than any West Ham player has managed — and his blend of physicality, movement and aggression has drawn comparisons to Diego Costa.
But with goals still painfully scarce and Niclas Füllkrug already heading to AC Milan, West Ham have not stopped there. It now appears the club are lining up a second striker to reinforce their frontline even further.
West Ham Agree Fee for Castellanos
West Ham are close to striking an agreement for Lazio forward Taty Castellanos as they continue to reshape their attack, according to The Guardian.
The move follows hot on the heels of the deal for Pablo and reflects Nuno Espírito Santo’s determination to give his side every possible chance of avoiding relegation.
The manager had previously explored a move for Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, but West Ham ultimately walked away after baulking at a valuation in the region of £40 million.
Instead, attention turned elsewhere. After agreeing to sign Pablo for an initial £18.3m, rising to £20.9m with add-ons, West Ham quickly opened discussions with Lazio and have now agreed a fee of around £26m for Castellanos.
Negotiations took place over New Year’s Day, with Nuno personally pushing for the 27-year-old’s arrival.
Castellanos, who joined Lazio from New York City FC in 2023, has scored twice in 12 appearances this season and is viewed as a more rounded, link-up forward who can operate deeper and bring others into play.
With Pablo providing youthful energy and goals, and Castellanos offering experience and versatility, West Ham are making a clear statement of intent in the transfer market.
Nuno Espírito Santo is being backed as he looks to drag the Hammers away from danger, and strengthening the strike force twice in one window underlines just how urgent the situation has become at the London Stadium.
