West Ham’s imminent new striker has learned the hard way that you are never too far away from someone with a camera phone.
Valentín Castellanos has been pictured at the airport today ahead of completing his West Ham United medical tomorrow. The two-stage process is expected to be completed over the weekend, although it remains unclear whether the forward will be present at tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Wolves.
The €30m transfer is expected to be completed without issue. As reported by Claret & Hugh earlier today, Lazio are keen to push the deal through quickly in order to free up funds and advance their own January business.
An eagle-eyed opportunist spotted the 27-year-old waiting to board a flight, with the image quickly posted on a Lazio fan social media account alongside the caption:
“Final moments in Italy for Taty Castellanos: the Argentine striker was captured at the airport, ready to fly to London. His adventure at Lazio ends here, with West Ham ready to welcome him as a new attacking reinforcement.”
West Ham’s latest signing Taty Castellanos
Medical Next as Deal Nears Completion
West Ham have also encountered a brief delay in announcing that 21-year-old striker Pablo Felipe Pereira de Jesus has completed his move from Gil Vicente, although the deal itself is understood to have been fully agreed and signed off.
Castellanos is slightly behind in terms of completing his medical, but all personal terms have already been finalised and no complications are expected.
A training-ground source told Claret & Hugh earlier today: “He’s perfect for Nuno Espírito Santo. The manager really wanted him.”
Barring any late surprises, West Ham’s new frontman is now just a medical away from being unveiled.
Bringing in Pablo Felipe and Castellanos for around £47m for the pair is a lot more of a relief than reading about the pursuit of Strand Larsen and the apparent consideration of spending £40m on him alone.
Felipe is pretty young and seems the better of the pair but Castellanos gives us more options so here’s hoping that they can get the goals that’ll bring the “That’s his job.” praise from Roy Keane and more importantly get us up the table.
No way we’re signing 2 strikers in the same window?! Let alone on the same day???
Looks very much like my neighbour Nigel.
Are you sure it’s not Nigel?
I’m not entirely sure Taffy, was Nigel in Rome this morning and has he returned looking a lot more wealthy?