When the January transfer window opened for multiple European leagues, reports had former New York City FC player Valentín Castellanos leaving S.S. Lazio, the team he joined in 2023. Journalist Fabrizio Romano said the Argentine was heading to West Ham United F.C. and would sign a long-term contract.
So, on Monday, West Ham announced the signing of Castellanos on a "four-and-a-half year contract with the option for a further year." The forward initially signed for five years with Lazio, but despite an okay run, Italy did not completely go the way that he or any NYCFC fans wanted it to go for him.