River Plate have identified West Ham United‘s Valentín Castellanos as the ‘top target’ for the winter market as part of their plan to strengthen their attack. 

The Argentina international joined West Ham from Lazio in January, to help them avoid relegation.

He scored seven goals in 22 matches, but that wasn’t enough to stop the Hammers dropping out of the Premier League.

Good season with West Ham so far

In July, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that the striker wanted to leave the London club. At that time, Real Betis and Sevilla had shown interest, preferably on loan.

However, a move never materialised in the summer, and the 28-year-old is still at the Championship side.

He has continued as a regular for West Ham United this season. To put it in context, he scored four goals and contributed five assists from 1,023 minutes in 17 matches.

Valentín Castellanos is now attracting interest from his old suitor, River Plate, for the next window, and El Intransigente covers the latest about their audacious plan to sign him.

West Ham man priority target 

River Plate manager Leonardo Ponzio has identified the Argentine as the ‘top target’ to bolster the attack in 2027. Their leaders also believe the West Ham United striker has the qualities that suits them.

The outlet states: ‘Ponzio believes Castellanos can contribute mobility, goal-scoring ability, and a strong presence in the penalty area.’

‘These characteristics would provide a high-caliber option in a position that, according to the club’s planning, requires greater effectiveness. The search aims to strengthen the attack with a player who combines international experience and the ability to play as a centre forward.’

The South American club’s interest in Valentín Castellanos isn’t new and they had tried to sign him in the past few windows. River are preparing a new plan for 2027, with him as the top striker target.

His contract lasts until 2030, with an option for another year, and Transfermarkt value him at €28m. The frontman’s contract and salary he earns with Scott Parker’s side are the ‘main obstacles’ for River Plate.

Therefore, the Argentine club are considering alternatives like signing him on loan with a fee or buying a percentage of his rights. This is only possible if the London club were to give their approval.

Castellanos has been a regular this season. The duration left on his contract puts West Ham in a comfortable position for potential negotiations in January. Without their support, River Plate won’t be able to bring the Argentine back to his country.

VALENTÍN CASTELLANOS Senior club career · All competitions

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals
Universidad de Chile	2017	1	0
Torque	2017–2018	30	5
New York City FC	2018–2022	134	59
Girona	2022–2023 · Loan	37	14
Lazio	2023–2026	98	22
West Ham United	2026–present	39	11
CAREER TOTAL		339	111

2026/27 · WEST HAM UNITED

Appearances	17
Minutes played	1,025
Goals	4
Assists	4
Goal contributions	8
Minutes per goal	256.3
Minutes per goal contribution	128.1
Goal contributions per 90 minutes	0.70

Championship and League Cup combined. Goal contributions = goals + assists.

Senior competitive first-team matches only. Excludes youth and international appearances. New York City FC figures combine loan and permanent spells. Current-season minutes and assists follow Opta Analyst data. Minutes-based figures are rounded.
Updated: 9 November 2026.

SPORT WITNESS