West Ham United have launched a major January transfer offensive, agreeing deals to sign two new strikers for a combined fee that could rise to £47 million. The moves, personally driven by manager Nuno Espírito Santo, are aimed at reviving the club's fight for Premier League survival.
Double Deal Agreed to Boost Attack
The Hammers have moved swiftly to secure the signings of Gil Vicente's Pablo Felipe and Lazio's Taty Castellanos. The club will pay £18.3 million, plus £2.6 million in add-ons, for Brazilian forward Pablo. Negotiations were then concluded with Lazio for Argentine striker Castellanos in a deal worth £26.1 million.
Nuno's side, currently languishing in 18th place in the Premier League, are desperately short of attacking options. The situation was exacerbated by the loan departure of Niclas Füllkrug to Milan, leaving only Callum Wilson as a senior forward at the London Stadium.
Profiles of the New Signings
The club believes 21-year-old Pablo possesses vast potential. He has scored nine goals this season, helping Gil Vicente to fourth in Portugal's Primeira Liga. His agent is Jorge Mendes, who also represents manager Nuno. However, there are acknowledged concerns over whether the youngster can translate his form from Portugal to the demands of the English top flight.
The more experienced Taty Castellanos, 27, is seen as a different profile – a deep-lying forward. He joined Lazio from New York City in 2023 and has scored two goals in 12 appearances for the Italian club this campaign. West Ham spent New Year's Day in talks to secure his signature.
Other Targets and Departures
West Ham's recruitment drive was extensive. They considered moves for Wolves' Jørgen Strand Larsen but baulked at his £40m valuation. Other strikers on their shortlist included Viktoria Plzen's Rafiu Durosinmi, Crystal Palace's Eddie Nketiah, and Coventry's Haji Wright and Ellis Simms.
The club is also working on a short-term deal for Fulham winger Adama Traoré, whose contract expires this summer. However, they failed with a loan bid for Chelsea's Raheem Sterling, who reportedly feels a move to West Ham would not help revive his career. Fulham are now favourites to sign Sterling.
Further changes are expected. West Ham are selling Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme to Sporting for £14.8m after his underwhelming spell. James Ward-Prowse, George Earthy, Callum Marshall, and Guido Rodríguez are also potential departures. Defensively, a centre-back remains a priority, with the club retaining an interest in Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell.
