West Ham United have finalized agreements to sign two new forwards, Brazilian striker Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente and Argentine attacker Taty Castellanos from Lazio, in deals that could reach a combined £47 million. The moves are a central part of manager Nuno Espírito Santo’s strategy to address the team’s critical shortage of goals as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The club acted decisively after opting against a pursuit of other targets deemed too expensive. They have committed £18.3 million, plus potential add-ons, for the 21-year-old Pablo Felipe, who has impressed in Portugal’s top division. Shortly after, a £26.1 million agreement was reached with Lazio for Castellanos, a 27-year-old forward known for his link-up play.
These signings come at a vital time. With Niclas Füllkrug departing on loan, the squad’s striking options had become severely limited. While Pablo Felipe is viewed as a prospect for the future, Castellanos is expected to provide immediate experience. The club is also working on a short-term deal for winger Adama Traoré, whose contract at Fulham is expiring. However, efforts to secure Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling on loan were unsuccessful, with the player reportedly preferring other options.
In addition to reinforcing the attack, West Ham are seeking a new centre-back and maintain interest in Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell. The reshaping of the squad includes the imminent sale of winger Luis Guilherme to Sporting, with several other players potentially following him out of the London Stadium as Nuno continues his overhaul.