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<p>A blend of Dzeko and Berbatov?</p>
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<p><img alt="West Ham successfully signs Lazio forward Taty Castellanos - what will he contribute to the Hammers?" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/taty-castellanos-lazio-2025-2026-1764795681-184189.jpg" title="West Ham successfully signs Lazio forward Taty Castellanos - what will he contribute to the Hammers?"></p>
<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>West Ham has continued its pursuit of attacking options, with Lazio forward Taty Castellanos completing his transfer to the London Stadium this Monday. The agreement between the Hammers and the Serie A club was reportedly for around €29 million, marking Castellanos as the second new signing for West Ham this month. This move comes shortly after German forward Niclas Füllkrug was sent on loan to AC Milan and the Hammers secured Brazilian striker Pablo from Gil Vicente for €23 million. In an official statement, West Ham expressed excitement: "West Ham United is pleased to announce the signing of Argentina international forward Taty Castellanos. The 27-year-old joins from Italian side Lazio on a four-and-a-half year contract with an option for an additional year."</p>
<p>Castellanos, whose career has taken him from New York City to Girona and now to Rome, has quietly established himself as a forward capable of succeeding in various systems and leagues. His recent performances for Lazio have boosted interest, and with West Ham looking to enhance their offense during the second half of the season in their fight against relegation, the timing of his transfer is crucial. Transfermarkt provides deeper insights into Castellanos and his potential impact in East London.</p>
<h2>What can Taty Castellanos offer to West Ham?</h2>
<p>Stefano Buonfino, a Content Manager at Transfermarkt in Italy, shares his thoughts on Castellanos: "He is not your typical striker. His value isn't solely in scoring goals, as he excels in linking play and integrating well with his teammates. While he doesn't score frequently, he significantly contributes to team dynamics both on and off the ball." Throughout his time at Lazio, Castellanos managed to score only 22 goals in 98 matches across all competitions.</p>
<p>Buonfino adds, "Overall, his time at Lazio has been positive, though he has faced challenges in terms of goal scoring. With a history of Ciro Immobile finishing as one of the league's top scorers, the team was primarily built around a striker. After the departures of Immobile, Luis Alberto, and Sergio Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio has undergone a transformation that has not gone as planned, finishing seventh in Serie A last season and currently sitting eighth." </p>
<p><img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/stefano-on-castellanos-1767349210-186331.png?lm=1767349222" width="503"></p>
<p>When asked to compare Castellanos to other forwards based on playing style, Buonfino commented: "It's challenging to make direct comparisons as he possesses unique traits. He embodies elements of a target man, a second striker, and a creative forward. Perhaps he resembles a combination of Edin Džeko and Dimitar Berbatov, though he lacks their physical and athletic attributes. He might also have some similarities with Richarlison, but their styles don't completely align." </p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>Centre-Forward</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
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<p>Contract until: 30/06/2026</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>"He has the potential to succeed in the Premier League, as he is determined to secure his spot, though success will depend on establishing good chemistry with his attacking teammates. Wingers like Crysencio Summerville could find Castellanos a valuable partner, willing to collaborate and support in creating scoring opportunities. However, it requires mutual commitment from the team, and he will need time to adjust—a luxury that's not always available during a January transfer. West Ham is presently in the relegation zone, four points from safety, and needs immediate contributions from him." </p>
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