Since Nuno Espiritio Santo has taken the reigns at West Ham United, South American’s have been on the transfer radar. Pablo Filipe has joined and so has Argentinian forward, Taty Castellenos and the Hammers were reportedly interested in adding more from the continent in the next window.
According to reports in Brazil, West Ham were listed as a potential suitor for Allan Elias, a 21-year-old winger who turns out for Palmeiras. Diaro AS reported that the Irons were one of the Premier League team’s most closely monitoring the young player.
Unfortunately for the West Ham scouting department, it now appears any move has been pipped by Liverpool. Robson Morelli is reporting that the scouse giants look his most likely destination, followed by Benfica. The Reds are expected to pay in excess of £30m for the young attacker to move in summer.
West Ham’s South American ploy
Quite often, plucking unknown talent from random nations doesn’t always go that well. Almost excessive scouting is needed and when taking a player from so far away it can lead to a number of problems outside of football. To say it is a gamble, can sometimes be an understatement.
West Ham know this all too well. The Hammers signed Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras when he was just 18. The Brazilian would not settle in London, going on to make 18 appearances in all competitions and failing to hold down a place in the team under numerous managers.
The now 20-year-old left in January for Sporting in Portugal, where it is hoped he can find comfort in football once again.
Whilst one door shuts, other’s can open. Several Premier League teams have had success wit the model. Chelsea are notoriously good at finding this kind of talent, whilst Saturday’s opponents, AFC Bournemouth have found a gem in wideman, Rayan.
How are West Ham’s South American’s faring?
West Ham currently have two South American’s on their books, both signed in January of this year.
Taty Castellanos has become the first choice up top, and looks a ready made Premier League striker. The 27-year-old netted his league first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Burnley and is beginning to look right at home in London.
Valentin Castellenos’s 2025/26 West Ham United statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 8 | 2 | 0 |
Pablo Filipe is set for a spell on the side-lines after his winter move from Gil Vicente. Whilst the Brazilian attacker is yet to score for the Irons, he has had a strong impact on the team helping the attacking output as a whole improving.
