West Ham United face the prospect of losing January signing Taty Castellanos this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season.

The Hammers go into their last fixture needing to beat Leeds United at the London Stadium while simultaneously hoping Tottenham Hotspur drop points against Everton at home. Failure to survive would end a 14-season run in the top flight — West Ham were last in the second tier in 2011/12.

Castellanos not interested in Championship football

According to Italian journalist Marco Mapreso, Castellanos "won't play" in the Championship. The 27-year-old Argentinian forward joined the club from Lazio just six months ago and would seek an immediate exit if West Ham fail to preserve their Premier League status.

Castellanos has made his mark since arriving in January, scoring 5 Premier League goals in 17 appearances, including a spectacular consolation in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United. His form has done little to ease fears over his potential departure.

Brazilian giants Flamengo are reportedly interested in the striker, though they are yet to submit a formal offer.

Broader exodus feared

The threat does not stop with Castellanos. Mapreso also claims that "many big names are ready to bid farewell at a low cost," raising the spectre of a significant squad clearout should relegation be confirmed.

Players such as Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, and Crysencio Summerville could all attract interest from top-flight clubs unwilling to wait for a potential West Ham return.

The club will no doubt hope for an immediate bounce-back to the Premier League, but the fates of Leicester City and Southampton this season serve as a cautionary tale — promotion from the Championship is never guaranteed.

If West Ham do descend to the second tier, replacing Castellanos will be among the most pressing items on their summer agenda.