West Ham star 'will not play in the Championship': report

Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of West Ham United, during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest at London Stadium (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Nuno Espirito Santo has been unable to steer West Ham away from the bottom three (Image credit: Getty Images)

There were very few positives to take from Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Newcastle last weekend for West Ham United.

West Ham are staring relegation to the Championship in the face heading into the final day, knowing that they must beat Leeds at the London Stadium and hope Tottenham Hotspur lose at home to Everton.

Taty Castellanos set for quick exit from West Ham United

Dropping down to the Championship is likely to mean West Ham are forced to sell some of their most talented players.

The likes of Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville could all pursue top-flight football.

West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen has 10 goals for the Hammers this season — West Ham could lose several players if they drop out of the Premier League (Image credit: Getty Images)

As could January signing Taty Castellanos, who scored a sensational consolation goal in the defeat at Newcastle.

The Argentinian forward has scored five Premier League goals in 17 appearances since joining the club from Lazio.

And, according to Italian journalist Marco Mapreso, Castellanos “won’t play” in the Championship.

Instead, the 27-year-old would seek an exit just six months after his arrival if West Ham fail to stay in the Premier League.

Brazilian side Flamengo are reportedly interested in Castellanos, but have yet to make an approach.

West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos celebrates after scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium — West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos only signed in January (Image credit: Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)

More worryingly for West Ham fans, Mapreso claims that “many big names are ready to bid farewell (at a low cost)”, suggesting there could be something of an exodus.

The hope at the club will be that there is an immediate return to the Premier League, although Leicester City and Southampton have shown this season that things are not always that simple.

If West Ham do find themselves preparing for life in the Championship, they may have to find a new forward to replace Castellanos.

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Callum is a football writer who has had work published by the likes of BBC Sport, the Independent, BT Sport and the Blizzard, amongst various others. A lifelong Wrexham fan, he is hoping Ryan Reynolds can lead his hometown club to the promised land.