West Ham are closing in on the signing of Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid as they look to bolster their Premier League survival chances.
Nuno Espirito Santo is wasting little time in transforming his squad, having already outlayed £52million on two new strikers in Taty Castellanos and Brazilian Pablo Felipe.
It’s a clear sign that the Hammers board are backing Nuno after he was the previous favourite in the Premier League sack race.
The 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the weekend, thanks to Callum Wilson’s last-gasp winner, has eased the pressure on Nuno for now.
West Ham Looking To Strengthen
According to the Guardian, the club are close to bringing in Lamadrid on loan until the end of the season from Deportivo La Guaira.
The 22-year-old plays his football on the left and would bring a mixture of flair and defensive qualities to West Ham’s squad.
Any move could also help facilitate the departure of Lucas Paqueta, who is eager for a transfer to Flamengo this month.
West Ham want to keep him for his creativity, particularly as they need to find a way to score more goals, but they are aware that keeping an unhappy player in the dressing room can damage morale.
Lamadrid’s arrival is unlikely to be the last signing West Ham makes in this window.
They are working on a deal to replace summer flop Mads Hermansen with Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, who will provide competition for the No. 1 jersey.
West Ham have also appeared to win the race for midfielder Gonzalo Plata from Flamengo.
Reports in Brazil claim Plata held a ‘no phones’ leaving party at the weekend ahead of his expected departure.
Who Is Keiber Lamadrid?
Lamadrid is a versatile forward who typically plays on the left, but he has also played as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and even at right-back.
He earned his first senior cap for the Venezuela national team in November 2025, appearing as a substitute in a match against Canada.
Lamadrid has played 107 times for his club, scoring 14 and assisting seven, although it’s worth noting that many of those appearances have come in defensive roles.
His versatility and technical ability will be regarded as a real asset for Nuno, but he is expected to challenge for a place alongside the talented Crysencio Summerville.
It’s expected to be a loan deal until the end of the season, but West Ham will have the option to sign him permanently.
Nuno’s side are five points adrift of safety and host Sunderland in their next game before travelling to Chelsea.
