By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Over the last few weeks, West Ham fans have had to sit and watch a number of players either leave the London Stadium or be linked with moves away.
As a result, it would be fair to say that a number of supporters, myself included, have been slightly concerned about whether Taty Castellanos might join the exodus and demand an exit.
If we’re honest, the Argentinian didn’t look quite right against Burnley in the 2-2 Championship draw last weekend.
Perhaps I’m reading too much into it, but there were times when I thought he looked disinterested and would rather be anywhere else than Turf Moor.
This was in stark contrast to his two-goal performance in the Carabao Cup victory against Portsmouth, where Taty displayed quite how important he could be to the club’s promotion credentials.
Piroe could partner Taty against Charlton
West Ham insider gives Taty verdict
So, during a conversation with a club insider speaking exclusively to Claret & Hugh, I asked if there was any chance of Castellanos following Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Edson Álvarez and the rest out of the door.
The answer was short and to the point.
“No, I think Taty will stay.”
And we’ll need him.
If West Ham are going to make a serious push for automatic promotion to the Premier League, someone’s going to have to stick the goals in, and Taty has as much chance as anyone else of winning the division’s Golden Boot.
He’ll be more important than ever against Charlton this weekend with strike partner Pablo injured.
Taty could have a new strike partner
Joel Piroe has signed on the dotted line in plenty of time to play, so Castellanos may find himself with a new dance partner should Nuno continue with his preferred tactics.
As I wrote in my closer look at what Piroe will bring to West Ham, the former Leeds striker has already demonstrated that he can score regularly at Championship level.
Keeping Castellanos therefore gives Nuno the opportunity to build a potentially very productive partnership at the top of the pitch.
Either way, it will be good for him to stay at West Ham because, if Espírito Santo continues to play with two strikers, I would argue that even with Taty, Pablo and Piroe, we’re still one forward short.
But keeping Castellanos is every bit as important as signing another one.
Vladyslav Vanat and Armando Gonzalez, we need to have 3 strikers
Wherever Taty plays this season…….we won’t have a say in it. Let’s hope he keeps wearing the #11 shirt, eh?
Maybe he’s had enough of taking orders from an incompetent manager who’s demeanour whilst pleasant isn’t inspiring
Playing those 2 together will be exciting but can’t see either doing the pressing that Pablo does. Will need to be rock solid further back
Let’s hope he’s focused on playing his best for us . Let’s hope the manager has told him we need him on the pitch not sent off ; alvarez temperament springs to mind.
I agree. I thought his body language against Burnley looked off – someone unhappy to be here. And, to be honest, I thought in large parts against Portsmouth he looked unhappy – I don’t think he even celebrated his first goal.
Taty didnt look like he wanted to be there in the latest training video or was that just me that thought that? When Joel Piroe was greeted with the run through the tunnel of players Taty doesnt exactly greet his new teammate with a slap on the back shall we say but looks disinterested.
Yes, the “one short” is Pablo !
People reading far too much into Tatys body language. He always looks miserable.