The relegation of West Ham United to the Championship has opened the possibility of a move for Valentín Castellanos, with Atalanta reportedly considering the Argentinian forward. According to TuttoAtalanta.com, the club’s demotion has placed Castellanos back on the transfer market.
Castellanos scored in West Ham’s final Premier League match against Leeds, but the result was insufficient to avoid relegation. Atalanta’s interest stems from a potential overhaul of their technical project, which is widely speculated to be led by incoming manager Maurizio Sarri. The club is evaluating options to reinforce their attack ahead of next season.
Castellanos previously thrived under Sarri’s guidance at Lazio during the 2022/23 season, scoring 13 goals in 35 Serie A appearances. A potential appointment of Sarri at Atalanta is anticipated to bring a tactical shift, potentially moving to a four-man defence and a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. This system would require a mobile centre-forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, a profile Castellanos appears to fit.
The financial implications of West Ham’s relegation are also a factor. Castellanos’ contract, which runs until June 30, 2030, includes a clause that halves his salary in the event of relegation to the Championship, making his continued stay in London unlikely. West Ham, who paid approximately €29 million for Castellanos in January 2026, are now reportedly willing to sell for around €20 million. Atalanta could fund the transfer with proceeds from the potential sale of Éderson, and the uncertain future of Gianluca Scamacca creates an opening in their forward line. The existing relationship between Castellanos and Sarri could prove pivotal in securing the transfer.
