West Ham Face Relegation Crisis As Flamengo Chase Star Striker: Should They Sell Him? | OneFootball

West Ham are sitting dangerously close to relegation after recent losses left them needing both points and a bit of luck to survive with just two games to go. This pressure has reignited serious interest from Flamengo in Taty Castellanos.

West Ham might have to sell Taty Castellanos

Reports out of Brazil highlight that West Ham players face 50 per cent pay cuts if the club go down. With Castellanos earning roughly £75,000 a week, a move is starting to look more likely. Flamengo already have a solid relationship with the Hammers after signing Lucas Paquetá and discussing other deals, meaning talks could escalate quickly this summer ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The Argentine forward joined mid-season and has managed 4 goals in 16 Premier League games for the club. Those goals were split evenly between home and away matches, giving him a scoring rate of 0.28 per 90 minutes. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 sit at 0.39, putting him in the top 8% of players in the league and proving he has real quality.

Castellanos is known for hounding defenders and attacking crosses with intent, though he is still adjusting to the pace and physical nature of the English game, which can sometimes impact his clinicalness. Fans have taken to his high work rate, as he often creates space for others even during difficult matches.

How does this potential exit dictate West Ham’s future planning?

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Taty Castellanos of West Ham United warms up prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at London Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

West Ham have to balance keeping a goalscorer against the harsh financial reality of life in the Championship. Castellanos brings an energy that transforms the attack, but his wages would be a massive weight in the second tier, where revenue falls off a cliff.

Selling him would provide the cash needed to rebuild for a promotion charge, even if losing his work ethic leaves a hole up front. Fans are desperate for the team to stay up and build around him next year, but the sensible move might be cashing in to keep the club stable. Flamengo are a familiar destination spot that fits his attributes well, leaving West Ham to consider loyalty against survival as the summer window nears.