West Ham show faith in Nuno Espirito Santo by completing a second January signing, adding Taty Castellanos to boost survival hopes ahead of Nottingham Forest clash.
West Ham have shown clear backing for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo by completing a second January signing. The Hammers confirmed the arrival of Argentina striker Valentin Castellanos from Lazio. The deal is for four and a half years, with an option for an extra season. It comes amid growing pressure following a heavy defeat at struggling Wolves.
Castellanos joins just days after the signing of Brazilian forward Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente. Together, the two forwards underline the club’s intent to fight relegation. West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League. They are four points adrift of safety entering a crucial week where they host relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
Castellanos arrives from Lazio after three seasons in Serie A. He made 98 appearances for the Italian club. During that spell, he scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists. This season, he managed two goals from 12 appearances after suffering a hamstring setback.
Despite limited output this campaign, West Ham view him as a key target identified by Nuno. The 27-year-old has also played for New York City FC, winning the MLS Cup, and Girona. He has earned two caps for Argentina since debuting in 2024. Castellanos stressed his desire to bring intensity and fighting spirit.
Pablo Felipe became Nuno’s first signing earlier in the window. The 22-year-old joined from Gil Vicente on a four-and-a-half-year deal. He scored 10 goals and provided an assist in 13 Primeira Liga games this season. Those goals came from just 23 shots.
West Ham hope his efficiency translates quickly. The club have struggled for goals throughout the first half of the season. Felipe was an unused substitute against Wolves. He is expected to be involved soon, starting with the Forest match.
Since Nuno took charge in September, results have not improved. West Ham average 0.73 points per match under him. That is down from 1.00 under Graham Potter. Goals conceded per game have risen to 1.87, while scoring has dipped.
Possession has also dropped to 41.6 percent. West Ham have collected only 14 points from 19 league matches. They have dropped 12 points from winning positions. These trends explain the urgency behind January spending.
The 3-0 defeat at Wolves marked a low point. Nuno described the first half display as embarrassing. He apologised to travelling supporters after the match. That result intensified scrutiny on his future.
However, the board moved quickly to support him. Recruitment plans remain centred on Nuno’s targets. Both Castellanos and Felipe are available for Tuesday’s clash. The message from above is stability, not panic.
West Ham host Nottingham Forest on Tuesday in a relegation six pointer. Forest sit 17th, four points ahead. A defeat would leave West Ham seven points from safety. The match also pits Nuno against his former club.
The Hammers then face a demanding run of fixtures in January that includes QPR in the FA Cup and Tottenham, Sunderland and Chelsea in the league. Immediate impact from the new forwards is vital. Survival hopes may hinge on this week’s response.
