West Ham confirm third January signing as Keiber Lamadrid joins on loan
By 247sportcity | Thursday, January 22, 2026
STRATFORD – The transformation of West Ham United’s attacking arsenal continues at a breathtaking pace. In a move that highlights the club’s expanding global scouting network, the Hammers have officially confirmed the signing of Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid. The 22-year-old joins from Deportivo La Guaira on an initial loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 season, marking the club’s third major acquisition of a frantic January window.
As first reported by Standard Sport, the agreement includes a strategic option to buy, allowing the East London club to make the transfer permanent in the summer should the South American starlet adapt to the rigors of English football.1 Lamadrid’s arrival follows the high-profile signings of strikers Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, signaling a clear intent from the West Ham board to provide manager Julen Lopetegui with a youthful, dynamic frontline.
The Scouting Report: Who is Keiber Lamadrid?
For many fans at the London Stadium, Lamadrid represents an intriguing mystery. However, in his homeland, he is regarded as one of the most explosive talents to emerge from the LIGAFUTVE (the Venezuelan first division) in a generation.
A natural left winger, Lamadrid is characterized by his lightning-quick acceleration, low center of gravity, and a fearless approach to one-on-one situations. His performances for Deportivo La Guaira throughout 2025 were so dominant that they earned him a senior international call-up. He made his debut for the Venezuela national team in November 2025, a milestone that effectively put European scouts on high alert.2
Despite his rapid rise, West Ham are taking a measured approach to his integration. Because the Venezuelan domestic season concluded in December, Lamadrid has been out of competitive action for several weeks. As a result, the player will initially join up with the West Ham Development Squad. This period will allow the sports science team to build his match fitness and help him acclimate to the vastly different climate and intensity of London before he is considered for first-team duties.
[Table: West Ham’s January 2026 Revolution]
The Hammers have focused heavily on the South American market this winter, rebuilding their attack with three distinct profiles.
| Player | Position | Former Club | Status |
| Taty Castellanos | Striker | Lazio | Permanent |
| Pablo Felipe | Striker | Atletico Paranaense | Permanent |
| Keiber Lamadrid | Left Winger | Deportivo La Guaira | Loan (Option to Buy) |
“Nothing is Impossible”: Lamadrid Speaks on the Move
Stepping onto the turf at the London Stadium for the first time, Lamadrid appeared visibly moved by the scale of the opportunity. For a player who began his journey in the youth academies of Caracas, the move to the Premier League represents the pinnacle of a lifelong ambition.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to be here at this beautiful club,” Lamadrid said in his first official club interview. “I thank God first of all, and all the people who helped me get here. I also thank my family, who always supported me. For me, it’s a dream to be here.”
The winger was quick to acknowledge the weight of expectation that comes with being a Venezuelan player in England—a path previously trodden by the likes of Salomón Rondón.
“I’m excited to grow as a person, as a player, and I want to do well at this Club,” he continued. “I want to adapt as quickly as possible, to continue growing as a player and open doors again for Venezuelan football. Nothing is impossible.”
A New Gateway to South America
The signing of Lamadrid is a testament to West Ham’s shifting recruitment philosophy. In recent years, the club has moved away from aging, high-wage “names” in favor of high-ceiling talents from burgeoning markets. By utilizing a loan-to-buy structure, the Hammers are insulating themselves against the financial risks often associated with bringing players directly from South America to the Premier League.
Technical Director Tim Steidten is believed to be the driving force behind this deal. Steidten has long advocated for a “Global Academy” approach, where players like Lamadrid are brought in to bridge the gap between the U21s and the first team. If Lamadrid hits the ground running in the Development Squad, his path to Lopetegui’s bench could be shorter than many expect, especially given the club’s busy schedule in the latter half of the season.
Tactical Fit: How He Complements Castellanos and Felipe
The tactical logic behind West Ham’s January business is becoming clear. With the arrival of two clinical finishers in Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, the squad required a “provider”—someone capable of stretching the pitch and delivering high-quality service from wide areas.
Lamadrid’s ability to hug the touchline and beat his man on the outside offers a different dimension to West Ham’s current wide options, many of whom prefer to cut inside on their stronger feet. By stretching the play, Lamadrid will create more space in the central channels for the new strikers to operate.
The Challenges of Adaptation
While the excitement is palpable, the transition from the LIGAFUTVE to the Premier League is arguably one of the steepest climbs in world football. The pace of play, the physicality of defenders, and the tactical discipline required in England will be a shock to the system.
However, club insiders are confident that Lamadrid’s “warrior” mentality will see him through. His debut for Venezuela showed a level of tactical maturity that belies his age, and his willingness to track back and help his defense is a trait that will undoubtedly endear him to Lopetegui.
The Final Verdict: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Masterstroke?
West Ham’s January business has been nothing if not decisive. While the “big-money” signings of Castellanos and Felipe are designed to solve the immediate goalscoring problem, the acquisition of Keiber Lamadrid is a forward-thinking move.
If he adapts, West Ham have secured a potential senior international star for a fraction of his future market value. If he struggles, the loan structure ensures the club isn’t tied into a long-term financial commitment. For Lamadrid, the “dream” has begun. For the Hammers, they may have just found the next great South American gem to light up East London.