Everton Compete With Fulham For 27-Year-Old Argentine: Why Should They Walk Away? | OneFootball

Goodison Park needs goals. It is the oldest story in football, and right now, it is David Moyes’ biggest headache. With the summer window open, the rumour mill is already turning at a ridiculous pace. The latest name linked with a move to Merseyside is West Ham United forward Valentín “Taty” Castellanos. According to Italian transfer insider Matteo Moretto, Everton and Fulham have both made initial contact about the 27-year-old Argentine.

Everton must steer clear of the Taty Castellanos transfer trap

West Ham only paid Lazio around £26 million for him in January. He scored six goals in 18 games in the PL in 2025/26, showing a massive engine and plenty of fight. It was not enough. The Hammers suffered a shock relegation to the Championship, and now their best players are up for grabs. Fulham want him. Everton are keen too, seeing him as the answer to their blunt frontline. They are wrong. This has panic-buy written all over it.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Taty Castellanos of West Ham United celebrates his 1st goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

David Gold and David Sullivan know how to drive a hard bargain. West Ham have reportedly slapped an “off-limits” tag on the striker to help their push for immediate promotion. That is classic posturing. What it really means is they want an astronomical, inflated fee. You are looking at upwards of £35 million for a player who managed just six Premier League goals in 18 appearances. That is bad business.

Castellanos is a useful footballer. Nobody is denying that. He runs himself into the ground, presses defenders with real aggression, and will always be remembered for putting four goals past Real Madrid during his time on loan at Girona. Traditionalists love that kind of work rate. But Moyes does not need another high-pressing workhorse who goes missing when a chance falls to him in the six-yard box. He needs a cold-blooded finisher. A regular, reliable goalscorer to guarantee safety and lift the club up the table.

Spending elite money on a developmental project that has never played a full, gruelling English season is a massive gamble. The recruitment team must look elsewhere. The recent signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney proved that Moyes wants hungry, young talent at the right price. They need to replicate that smart thinking upfront.

Coventry City’s Haji Wright represents far better value in the current market. Alternatively, a loan move for an out-of-favour striker at a top-six club makes much more financial sense while the squad is being rebuilt. Let Fulham overpay for Castellanos if they are that desperate. Everton should walk away.