Taty Castellanos’ West Ham future has come into question this week.
The Argentine striker only joined the Hammers from Lazio in January and has largely impressed in claret and blue, scoring six goals in 21 first-team appearances.
But West Ham’s league status will heavily determine where the 27-year-old will be playing his football next season.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side go into the final weekend of the season with their fate completely out of their hands, needing to beat Leeds at London Stadium and hoping Tottenham lose to Everton in north London. Any other scenario will end West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League.
Earlier this week, Italian journalist Marco Mampreso reported that Castellanos has no intention of playing in England’s second tier and will seek a swift exit from east London if relegation is confirmed.
Fulham seek Castellanos transfer
For a while, Brazilian outfit Flamengo have been notable admirers of the former Lazio striker. They attempted to sign him in January before Castellanos opted to sign for the Hammers instead.
But Fulham have now emerged as potential suitors for his signature, with Mampresso now suggesting the striker wishes to remain in the Premier League.
Fulham are expected to be in the market for at least one striker this summer. Raul Jimenez turned 35 earlier this month, while Rodrigo Muniz is being linked with a move away from Craven Cottage.
Castellanos’ impact for the Hammers since arriving from Lazio in the January transfer window has been impressive, helping transform Nuno’s side’s attacking threat with his intense high pressing, as well as finishing ability in front of goal.
So it’s little wonder the striker is starting to attract interest from the Premier League.
West Ham under pressure to bring in transfer funds
West Ham announced record losses of over £104m earlier this year and with that, they admitted there would need to be a number of significant player sales this summer to help balance the books, regardless of what league they’re competing in.
Indeed, relegation to the Championship will significantly reduce the value of some of their biggest names, but it’s believed they will still do try their best to avoid huge losses on the players they are forced to sell.
Castellanos cost West Ham around £25m, and it’s claimed West Ham are willing to open negotiations at around the £17m mark. That could help drive a possible deal towards £20m if there are several suitors interested in the Argentine’s services.
That would suit West Ham, no doubt, who will likely need to raise over £100m in player sales this summer. Regardless of the league they’re in, that shouldn’t be a major issue when you consider the players likely to attract interest this summer, including Mateus Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo.
But it certainly looks like they’re going to be forced to part ways with Castellanos if relegation is confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
