West Ham United are on the verge of completing a surprise January loan signing that could add fresh attacking options to their squad amid a tense Premier League relegation battle. With the club, currently sitting five points adrift of safety under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, is closing in on a deal for 22-year-old Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid from Deportivo La Guaira. Multiple reliable sources, including journalist Ben Jacobs and Venezuelan reporter Elias López, confirm that Lamadrid has been granted permission to undergo his medical examinations in Paris this week, with bureaucratic issues such as his work visa currently being resolved.
The agreement is structured as a six-month loan until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to buy reportedly in the region of £1 million (potentially conditional on West Ham avoiding relegation). This low-risk approach allows the Hammers to assess the player's adaptation to the intensity of English football before committing long-term.
Lamadrid, a versatile left-sided attacker who can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even in wider midfield roles, has spent his entire senior career with Venezuelan top-flight side Deportivo La Guaira, where he came through the youth ranks. He has accumulated over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in competitive matches. In the most recent campaign, he impressed with eight goals and seven assists across 37 outings, showcasing his ability to contribute both as a goal threat and creator.
If signed off the loan, and West Ham survive relegation, Lamadrid will be the first ever Venezuelan player to go straight from a home country team directly to the Premier League. The young international made his senior debut for Venezuela in a friendly against Canada late last year, coming off the bench in what marked a significant milestone.
This potential arrival forms part of West Ham's broader January recruitment drive to bolster attacking depth. The club has already welcomed forwards Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe this window, while recent results—including a crucial victory over Tottenham Hotspur. However, with the team still in the relegation zone, Nuno is keen to add pace and energy on the flanks, particularly on the left, where Lamadrid is expected to compete with the likes of Crysencio Summerville for minutes. With Lucas Paqueta potentially departing the club, Lamadrid can also be insurance in midfield. With Nuno turning to a new offensive strategy using a shadow striker, LaMadrid can see minutes spelling Pablo.
What This Means For Other Potential Transfers
No comments have been made on whether this acquisition means West Ham will no longer pursue Nuno's first choice on the wing, Adama Traoré. West Ham have also changed their tune on forward Callum Wilson, after 2 weeks of talks about terminating his contract, the conversation has now turned to keeping him for the reast of the season. Wilson, of course, came on in the 93rd minute of Saturday's matchup against the Spurs and scored in extra time.
West Ham have been silent on the search for a centre back, but considering how they handled the LaMadrid, Taty, and Pablo signings, not much information has come out over potential transfers. Sources say West Ham have continued to monitor a move for Charlie Cresswell, Eric Dier, and Guillaume Restes.