West Ham have confirmed the permanent signing of Keiber Lamadrid from Deportivo La Guaira. The Venezuela international winger arrived on loan in January, and the Hammers wasted little time triggering their option to buy once the deal’s terms became favorable.

From Loan Spell to Long-Term Project

Lamadrid’s six months in east London started quietly. He made just one senior appearance, coming against Burton Albion in the FA Cup, while also featuring in three unused Premier League squads. The Under-21s, however, told a different story entirely. He registered two goal contributions across three Premier League 2 outings, hinting at the sharpness that made him Venezuela’s Young Player of the Year.

That form clearly convinced Nuno Espirito Santo. The head coach personally pushed for the move to become permanent, recognizing potential others might have overlooked given the modest senior minutes. West Ham paid roughly £1million to complete the transfer, a fee that already looks shrewd considering the five-year contract and £20million release clause now attached to his name.

Before West Ham, Lamadrid built a strong reputation in Venezuela. He made over 100 first-team appearances for Deportivo La Guaira, contributing eight goals and seven assists last season alone. That kind of output at such a young age explains why interest followed him across the Atlantic.

A Fresh Start Amid Rebuilding

Crucially, this move arrives as West Ham regroup following relegation from the Premier League. Falling into the Championship changes expectations, but it also offers younger players like Lamadrid a clearer pathway into regular first-team football. Insiders close to the deal suggest that dynamic played directly into the decision to commit long-term.

For Lamadrid, the opportunity now shifts from proving himself in cup ties to anchoring a rebuild. West Ham, meanwhile, gain a versatile attacking option already familiar with the club’s environment, ready to make a genuine impact next season.