West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Keiber Lamadrid from Deportivo La Guaira.
Lamadrid is set to undergo a medical before joining West Ham on loan, with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
West Ham’s deal to sign Lamadrid has been finalised by all accounts, so the transfer will now be imminent, pending medical results.
The Hammers are making plenty of moves in the January transfer window, with Nuno Espirito Santo desperate to bolster his ranks at the London Stadium.
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Nuno has brought in two strikers but he desperately needs more athleticism in midfield and an elite centre-back as well.
However, the next signing through the door will seemingly be another attacking player in the form of Lamadrid.
What West Ham plan to do with Keiber Lamadrid as soon as he signs
Lamadrid is highly-rated in his homeland, but he is very much an unknown commodity across the rest of the world.
The Venezuelan winger undoubtedly possesses plenty of talent and flair, but is he really ready to help West Ham battle against relegation?
It’s a big ask of a young player moving from South America to Europe.
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And it seems like the West Ham coaching staff feel as though he needs to be given some time to settle at the club before he is given the chance to play for the first-team.
According to a report from The Standard, Lamadrid will initially link up with West Ham’s development squad.
The one-capped Venezuela international may not be ready to make an immediate impact for the Hammers.
West Ham’s questionable Keiber Lamadrid decision
At 22, though, it’s not as if Lamadrid is a wet-behind-the-ears youngster.
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He has already made 103 senior appearances throughout his career and has recorded 14 goals and seven assists in the process (Transfermarkt).
So putting him in the development squad would be somewhat of a bizarre move from the Hammers.
Perhaps he just needs some time to acclimatise to living in England.
West Ham fans will undoubtedly have to be patient with Keiber Lamadrid.
The Venezuelan is certainly a signing for the future, rather than the here and now.
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