In a night of high drama at the London Stadium, West Ham United's newest recruit, Valentín "Taty" Castellanos, etched his name into Hammers folklore just days after arriving from Lazio. The Argentine striker rose highest in the ninth minute of extra time to head home a pinpoint cross from Crysencio Summerville, securing a 2-1 victory over Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup third round and sparing his new club from a humiliating early exit.
The goal, Castellanos' first in Claret and Blue, ended West Ham's agonising 10-game winless streak stretching back to November and provided much-needed breathing room for under-pressure manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Arriving on January 5 for a reported fee around £26-29 million, the 27-year-old wasted no time justifying the investment with a classic centre-forward's finish – powerful, decisive, and perfectly timed.
A Transfer Born of Necessity
West Ham's January window has been defined by urgency. Struggling near the Premier League relegation zone and lacking a reliable goal threat, Nuno identified Castellanos as a priority target. Known for his "fighting spirit" – words he himself used upon signing a four-and-a-half-year deal – the former New York City FC and Girona star brought proven pedigree, including a memorable four-goal haul against Real Madrid while on loan at Girona.
His integration was swift. Paired upfront with fellow new arrival Pablo Felipe after an early injury forced tactical changes, Castellanos showed glimpses of his hold-up play and physicality throughout the tie, helping create Summerville's first-half opener in stoppage time.
The Match: From Frustration to Ecstasy
The encounter was far from straightforward. QPR, buoyed by a vocal away support, frustrated the Premier League side for long periods. Richard Kone's 65th-minute header cancelled out Summerville's strike, forcing extra time and raising the spectre of yet another third-round upset for West Ham – a stage where no club has suffered more defeats historically.
As the clock ticked into extra time, the Hammers finally found urgency. Summerville, enjoying one of his better displays in a West Ham shirt, spun away from Jimmy Dunne and delivered a delicious cross. Castellanos, unmarked, powered his header past QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh to spark wild celebrations.
Voices from the Dressing Room
Post-match, Castellanos took to Instagram with a message that captured the relief and determination sweeping through the squad: “Really happy for my first goal with this shirt," Castellanos said. "Big effort of the team, this must be the path to boost our confidence. Thanks to the fans for the great support this afternoon.”
Nuno, visibly elated, emphasised the psychological boost: “Goals change everything. It’s going to change our week. We can make a step forward. Everything is going to feel better.”
For a club desperate for positives amid relegation fears and fan protests, Castellanos' intervention felt like a turning point. His old-school striker instincts – aerial dominance, intelligent movement, and sheer will to win – offered something West Ham have craved since the days of peak Michail Antonio.
As the Hammers advance to the fourth round, one thing is clear: their new No. 11 has arrived not a moment too soon. If this heroic debut is anything to go by, Taty Castellanos could be the catalyst to drag West Ham out of trouble and reignite belief at the London Stadium. The journey has only just begun, but the early signs have garnered results.