West Ham are keen on finalising the signing of Deportivo La Guaira star Keiber Lamadrid imminently.
After signing Pablo and Taty Castellanos in January, the Hammers are still keen on adding to their ranks.
Nuno Espirito Santo has the backing of the board as he aims to navigate a tricky Premier League relegation battle.
Revenge awaits!
What do YOU want to see as West Ham look to avenge August’s 3-0 loss?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Keiber Lamadrid gets work visa approved
According to El Mundo Un Balon journalist Elias Lopez, Lamadrid is all set to join West Ham this month.
The 22-year-old has passed his medical after arriving in London, and the deal is now subject to an official announcement.
He is expected to be presented imminently as he has got his work visa approved ahead of a move to the London Stadium.
What CHANGES would you make to our West Ham v Sunderland combined XI? ⚒️ v 🐈⬛
Brobbey over Taty? Fernandes over Le Fee?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
All the formalities ahead of the transfer have now been completed, and he is set to become a Hammers player.
Lopez wrote on X: “Keiber Lamadrid is a new player for West Ham United. Medical exams passed, work visa approved, and contract signed.
“The Venezuelan midfielder arrived in London today and will be officially presented in the coming hours.”
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty ImagesWhy are West Ham signing Lamadrid?
The Hammers need attacking depth, and in Lamadrid, they are getting a left winger in his early 20s.
They have a South American scouting network, which has led them to unearthing the Venezuelan attacker.
While Lamadrid will not immediately walk into the playing eleven, he is expected to play regularly for the reserves to acclimatise him to the English game.
The 22-year-old is a left-footed winger who prefers playing on the left, but is capable of being deployed as a number 10 as well.
He does have over 100 games of experience in senior football, so the Hammers are not bringing in someone who’s extremely raw.
As Lamadrid is known for his dribbling ability, West Ham will be expecting him to be good at take-ons and bring some South American flair to the team.
There remain question marks over his physicality as the step up to the Premier League may be a tad tricky.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox