Callum Wilson left West Ham United last week, while their relegation from the Premier League could force the Londoners into selling Taty Castellanos after just a few months on UK soil.
Yet, in pursuit of a potential replacement, St Etienne’s own end-of-season heartbreak across the Channel could throw the doors wide open.
Veteran poacher Callum Wilson confirmed that he will be leaving the Hammers when his short-term contract expires in a matter of weeks. Reports indicate that £27 million January signing Taty Castellanos has little interest in playing Championship football next season either.
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One suspects Lucas Stassin, a Belgium international linked with West Ham United last summer, may find himself in the same boat.
West Ham United could land St Etienne’s Lucas Stassin
Stassin’s St Etienne were beaten 4-1 by Nice in the Ligue 1 relegation play-off late last month.
After providing 20 goals or assists in 35 matches in 2025/26, and having been omitted from Belgium’s World Cup squad, it is expected that Les Verts’ heavy defeat at the Allianz Riviera has not only cost the club a return to the top flight.
“Lucas Stassin has no intention whatsoever of playing a second season in Ligue 2,” writes French publication Live Foot. “The Belgian is going to leave.”
In quotes reported by Het Belang van Limburg, Stassin indicated that he will look to return to the big leagues sooner rather than later. St Etienne’s play-off failure will only speed up his pursuit of a new challenge.
Of course, returning to the Championship after 14 years away, West Ham may not be operating from a position of strength. Yet, the promise of an immediate return to the Premier League could potentially convince Stassin to sign up for the project.
“I love the big five leagues. If I ever get the chance to explore a new league, I’m open to it,” the 21-year-old said a few months ago. “The most important thing is to play at the highest level again as soon as possible. That’s what every footballer wants.
“It depends on what happens with Saint-Etienne. If we get promoted, I’ll play in Ligue 1 again. If not, we’ll see. It plays a role, that’s clear. But in football, everything can change quickly.”
Stassin boasts an impressive record in French football
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Stassin has been likened to Romelu Lukaku – Belgium’s all-time top scorer – by some. Standing at 6ft and an expert with his back to goal, the Anderlecht graduate uses his physicality and impressive technique to drop deep and link the play before attacking the box.
In 28 top-flight appearances in France, he scored 12 times and provided a further five assists.
Reports in 2025 indicated that St Etienne would be looking for around £17 million, but failure to secure promotion could see his value drop considerably.
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