Everton monitor Castellanos situation ahead of summer window

Everton have registered their interest in signing West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos when the summer transfer window opens, according to a report from Football Insider. The Toffees are understood to be monitoring the Argentine forward as manager David Moyes looks to reinforce a key attacking position.

West Ham, who were among the Premier League's highest spenders during the January window, are not believed to be actively seeking to sell Castellanos, but Everton's interest could test their resolve. The report suggests the Hammers may be open to a departure if a suitable offer arrives, with a fee of around £24 million being mooted.

Context and tactical fit

Castellanos, 25, joined West Ham in the summer of 2023 from New York City FC for £12 million. After a loan spell at Girona in La Liga, he returned to east London but has struggled for consistent first-team minutes. In the current campaign, the Argentine has made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Everton's interest comes as no surprise given their well-documented struggles in front of goal. The Toffees have scored just 28 goals in 30 Premier League matches this season — the second-lowest total in the division. Moyes’ side have managed only one goal in their last four league outings, underlining the need for attacking reinforcements.

Tactically, Castellanos offers a profile that Everton currently lack. He is a mobile striker who likes to run in behind defences, comfortable playing as a lone centre-forward or in a front two. His work rate and pressing ability would fit Moyes’ preferred counter-pressing system. However, his finishing has been inconsistent — he has underperformed his Expected Goals (xG) by 2.1 this season, according to data from Understat.

Implications for both clubs

For Everton, signing Castellanos would provide competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto. Calvert-Lewin’s injury record remains a concern, and Beto has yet to fully adapt to the Premier League. A £24 million outlay would represent a significant investment but one that could solve a long-standing issue.

  • Castellanos is under contract at West Ham until 2027, giving the club negotiating leverage.
  • West Ham have no immediate need to sell, but a profit on their initial £12m investment might appeal.
  • Everton’s Financial Fair Play constraints could complicate a straight cash deal, potentially requiring player sales or structured payments.

West Ham, meanwhile, have other forwards in their squad including Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, who can operate centrally. Losing Castellanos would not leave a major gap but would reduce depth, especially if Antonio’s injury issues persist. The Hammers may also be planning further squad surgery under David Moyes (who coincidentally managed Everton from 2002 to 2013).

Fantasy Premier League impact

Castellanos is currently owned by just 1.2% of FPL managers and priced at £5.9m. If he moves to Everton and becomes a regular starter, he could offer value as a third striker, particularly given Everton’s favourable run of fixtures in the final weeks of the season. However, his current output is underwhelming — he averages 2.3 points per game in FPL. A move would not instantly boost his appeal unless Everton’s attacking form improves significantly.

What next?

Everton are expected to formalise their interest once the summer window opens on June 14. West Ham will likely wait to see if other clubs enter the race, which could drive up the price. Moyes is eager to add a striker early in the window to allow time for integration during pre-season. If Castellanos arrives, he will be expected to compete for a starting spot immediately, with the 2025-26 season representing a crucial opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home