‘Makes life uncomfortable’ – West Ham fired huge warning over new £21m striker

West Ham have been told that their new striker is ‘great on his day’ but lacks consistency in a worrying omen for their relegation fight.

The Hammers have completed a deal to sign Lazio‘s Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos just three days after the £20million arrival of Pablo Felipe.

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The 27-year-old, who has scored twice and provided three assists in 11 Serie A appearances this season, has won two caps for Argentina.

He has penned a four-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium, with the option for a further 12 months.

Under-fire head coach Nuno Espirito Santo identified Castellanos as ‘a key target’, but West Ham have been warned over their new No.11.

Is Catellanos suited to the Premier League?

Asked what kind of player the Irons will be getting, European football expert Andy Brassell offered a mixed review of the forward.

He told talkSPORT’s Trans Europe Express podcast: “Buying a striker for €30million when you’re a Premier League club is not going to change your fortunes beyond recognition.

“Look, if you want to forget that fact, just go onto YouTube and watch the time he scored four times against Real Madrid, and that will make you feel far better about everything.

“Castellanos is great on his day. You could see him working in the Premier League.

“He’s strong. He can hold the ball up. He causes bother to defenders.

“He makes life uncomfortable, but he doesn’t do it on a consistent enough basis.

£25m doesn’t get you the complete player

“We’re not talking about a vintage Lazio side,” Brassell told talkSPORT.

“And the reality of the situation is when you go out and buy a player like €30million, £25million, you’re not going to get a player that’s going to completely change things for you.

“You’re going to get a player who can contribute a bit and hold his end up.”

West Ham are mired in the relegation zone following a dire run of nine Premier League games without a win.

A 3-0 defeat at bottom club Wolves left the Hammers four points adrift of safety in 18th spot.

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West Ham are 18th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone, and Nuno is under increasing pressure.

Castellanos, who has become the Portuguese’s second January signing, said he will ‘give everything’ to the club.

“Every match is a battle, and I’m here to contribute that, to try to bring that energy, that fighting spirit I have inside, so that every match is as important and as tough as possible,” he said.