West Ham Signs Former River Target Valentín Castellanos
West Ham has officially signed Valentín Castellanos, a striker previously targeted by River Plate during his rise to prominence in Europe. This acquisition comes after Castellanos enjoyed a successful stint at Girona, where he scored impressive goals, including four against Real Madrid.
Background on Valentín Castellanos
Valentín Castellanos, a 27-year-old forward, began his career playing in South America before moving to Major League Soccer with New York City FC. He became a notable player there, especially following the departure of Julián Álvarez, which left a gap in River Plate’s forward line in mid-2022.
His Journey to West Ham
Initially, River Plate showed strong interest in Castellanos. The club was willing to make a significant financial effort to recruit him, especially after recent player transfers had bolstered their budget. However, the asking price of €15 million proved too steep for River Plate.
- Castellanos was eventually signed by Girona, managed by the City Group.
- At Girona, he scored 22 goals in 98 appearances.
- In January, Lazio acquired him for €18 million.
His impressive performances in Europe continued to attract attention. While it seemed he might return to South America to join Flamengo, West Ham stepped in with a transfer fee of €29 million, securing his services until mid-2030.
Statistics and Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Castellanos has accumulated substantial statistics that highlight his offensive capabilities:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 100 |
| Total Assists | 44 |
| Total Matches | 300 |
International Experience
Castellanos has also represented Argentina’s national team. He competes for a spot on Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup roster, and playing in the Premier League could enhance his visibility to the national coach.
As he embarks on this new chapter with West Ham, conversations about his potential return to River Plate remain. Castellanos has expressed hope for such an opportunity in the future, stating, “I hope one day I can wear the River jersey.”
