Taty Castellanos
Rome, Italy 26th January 2025: Taty Castellanos of SS Lazio during the Italian Serie A 2024-25 football match between SS Lazio vs ACF Fiorentina at the Olimpico Stadium
West Ham United have only just welcomed Taty Castellanos, yet the striker is already being mentioned in transfer discussions elsewhere.
According to Brazilian outlet Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, a source close to Flamengo – who recently bought Lucas Paquetá – has indicated that Castellanos is a name appreciated internally at the club. However, that interest comes with clear conditions attached.
The report stresses there is “nothing in progress” at this stage. Flamengo are not actively pursuing the Argentine. Still, the striker is said to fit the attacking profile desired by Filipe Luís and his coaching staff – high pressing, mobility and constant movement in the final third.
West Ham relegation clause in the background?
Crucially, the Brazilian side would only consider a move if two factors align: Castellanos would need to be open to playing in Brazil, and West Ham would need to be relegated.
That context makes this more of a watchful stance than a concrete approach. Flamengo are planning to sign a forward either in mid-season or at the end of the year. The priority is a dynamic attacker.
Interestingly, Filipe Luís recently stated that Lucas Paquetá can operate as a number nine if necessary. That reduces urgency in the short term.
Former West Ham target Kaio Jorge is also mentioned as a possible option later in the year. The Hammers competed for Kaio Jorge during the January window, before opting not to continue their pursuit. Tottenham’s Richarlison, Bournemouth’s Evanilson and Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus are in that shortlist as well.
But Castellanos, in contrast, is described as a long-standing appreciation – albeit entirely hypothetical for now.
What happens next?
For West Ham, this reads as background noise rather than immediate concern. Castellanos has barely settled in east London. Any scenario involving a departure would depend on the club’s league status and the player’s own intentions.
At this stage, Flamengo’s position is cautious. They admire the striker’s profile. But unless circumstances change dramatically, West Ham can focus on integrating their new forward without distraction.