In a bold statement of intent amid a deepening relegation crisis, West Ham United have completed a £45-47m double striker swoop, signing Argentinian forward Valentín "Taty" Castellanos from Lazio and Brazilian sensation Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente.
With the Hammers languishing in 18th place after 20 games – just 14 points, a goal difference of -20, and four points from safety – these arrivals could prove pivotal in Nuno Espírito Santo's fight for Premier League survival.
A Blunt Attack in Desperate Need of Firepower
West Ham's woes this season have been stark: only 21 goals scored, the joint-second worst in the league, coupled with 41 conceded. The departure of Niclas Füllkrug on loan to AC Milan left a gaping hole upfront, with ageing Callum Wilson as the lone senior option. Enter the new duo, both identified as key targets by under-pressure manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who has faced mounting scrutiny after a winless run stretched to nine games before the window opened.
Pablo Felipe, the 22-year-old Brazilian, arrived first for around £20-22 million. His breakout season in Portugal saw him net 10 goals in 13 Primeira Liga appearances for Gil Vicente, showcasing pace, power, and clinical finishing. "I will leave every last drop of sweat on the pitch for this club," Pablo declared upon signing a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Days later, Taty Castellanos sealed his move for approximately £25-29 million on a similar long-term contract (with an option for an extra year). The 27-year-old Argentina international brings proven pedigree: MLS Golden Boot winner with NYCFC, a memorable four-goal haul against Real Madrid while on loan at Girona, and 22 goals in 98 games for Lazio. Described as a versatile forward who presses relentlessly, links play effectively, and thrives in hold-up roles, Castellanos is seen as the perfect complement to Pablo's raw energy.
With 18 games remaining, West Ham's upcoming fixtures include a crucial home clash against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday – a match both new signings are eligible for and could debut in. A victory would close the gap to one point; defeat could see it widen to seven, potentially fatal at this stage.
Nuno, backed emphatically by the board despite speculation over his future, now has the tools to ignite a turnaround. Talents like Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and Crysencio Summerville can supply the ammunition, while the new strikers address the chronic lack of goals.
Hope for a Great Escape?
History shows January reinforcements can spark survival bids – think Newcastle's 2022 spree under Eddie Howe. These sparks can even happen in East London, where fans have witnessed big runs after players like Bowen and Tomas Soucek were added midseason, and in the following year, Jesse Lingard was added during midseason. Both runs were epic and led to a relegation survival and a Europa bid. West Ham's £45m+ investment signals belief in Nuno and the squad. Fans, weary from a torrid campaign, have reason for cautious optimism. As Castellanos said, "I've come to contribute and help the team as much as I can." If the new pair hit the ground running, pairing youthful exuberance with experienced guile, West Ham might just claw their way to safety. The great escape starts now.
Nuno would not address how these two new additions would be deployed, but both have had more success in a two striker system. With West Ham potentially losing Paquetá in the summer or if the right offer comes along this month, then it would make sense to use a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation where Taty can play both the roles of an attacker and a number 10, using Pablo higher up in the final 3rd of the pitch. About his new signings coming into a relegation battle, Nuno said they are "players that come with purpose. Players that come with the intention to really help, be brave to join us in this situation."
There are rumors and plenty of reports, including German journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports, who claim Nuno's fate might be decided after their game today against his former team, Nottingham Forest. He'll have both of his new weapons available and with no more time to spare. Reports also say that before spending any more money on players that Nuno wants, the board is asking to see a positive outcome. Without saying the words, Nuno hopes his new strikers can bail him out of this current winless streak and, of course, what many deem a certain relegation to second-tier football.