There is one question dominating the minds of West Ham United supporters right now. Just who on earth is Keiber Lamadrid, and why are the Hammers signing a Venezuelan youngster who doesn’t even have his own Wikipedia page?
It emerged like a bolt from the blue on Monday.
West Ham are set to sign Keiber Lamadrid from Deportivo La Guaira in his homeland. While the Hammers are closing in on Fulham’s Adama Traore – Nuno Espirito Santo’s former Wolves favourite is still expected to end up at the London Stadium before the close of the window – a 22-year-old from Caracas is one name nobody expected to see linked with a move to the capital.
How do you FEEL about West Ham signing Keiber Lamadrid?
Is this the sort of low-cost risk the Hammers need to be chasing?
If one is supposed to be a low-cost, so-called Premier League ‘proven’ option – although criticism of Traore’s recent performances is a concern – then Keiber Lamadrid is precisely the opposite.
An unexpected punt, but one with considerable upsides.
Venezuelan expert Richard Mendez explains why West Ham United like Keiber Lamadrid
South American reporter Elias Lopez claims that Keiber is in Paris undergoing medical tests and awaiting a work permit. Give Me Sport, meanwhile, say that West Ham are likely to sign the little-known youngster on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent for just £870,000.
But just who is Keiber Lamadrid? What could the Hammers be getting in a lively left-winger who scored four times in 13 matches for Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela’s top-flight last season?
Well, as Venezuelan analyst Richard Mendez explains, on the 4-3-3 Television YouTube channel, West Ham are landing a youngster with a very keen eye for goal.
“Throughout the season, Keiber has been showing great flashes of his ability,” Mendez says.
“Something I was analysing regarding Keiber is that the kid has a great ability to get into the box. He has a real eye for goal. When you start looking at his numbers – eight goals for the season [in all competitions] – it’s not incredibly high, but he’s not a ‘number nine’, so it’s actually not bad.
“He is someone who persistently tests the opponent’s goal. [And he has] six assists.”
Keiber offers something different to Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville
Unlike West Ham’s current widemen – Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville – Keiber is a left-footer who plays on the left. So while he does not tend to cut inside like Nuno’s favourite wing pairing, he does often find pockets of space between the lines before firing fierce shots towards goal with his better foot.
He also appears to have a knack for finding himself in the right place at the right time inside the penalty area.
“This [goalscoring record] speaks very well of the player,” adds Mendez. “I mean, he has more than enough quality to make you think this move could happen. And you know what? I hope it does. Even if it’s just a six-month loan. Take the risk, man!
“Go to Europe. Prove yourself. Get the chance to work your tail off and earn your spot. I really hope it happens for Keiber.”
Give Me Sport write that Keiber is expected to play for West Ham’s Under-21 side for the remainder of the season. Greg Lincoln has lost Callum Marshall and George Earthy to loan spells at Bochum and Bristol City. Keiber will therefore reinforce a frontline shorn of two star performers, even if Monday’s 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea highlighted the impressive attacking depth in the Hammers’ reserves.
Who will prove to be a better signing and why?! 🤔
Keiber brings ‘top’ dribbling skills to the London Stadium
Armando Naranjo, meanwhile, reports that Keiber ‘was the top dribbler’ in Venezuela’s first division last season. This is likely to be the most high-profile transfer out of the South American nation since Manchester City snapped up Yangel Herrera in 2018.
“People are already comparing this to Manchester City’s signing of Yangel Herrera,” Naranjo says.
“Now, here is the difference: Yangel Herrera was signed by Manchester City from Atletico Venezuela after his great performance in the U20 World Cup. It was a permanent transfer, but Manchester City never actually used him
“Now, Keiber Lamadrid’s situation is different. It’s a loan. I hope it gets finalised because right now. It’s so serious that he is in Paris right now for his medical tests.
“A lot was expected of this player in Liga FUTVE because of the massive season he had and his technical quality. Now, the surprise is the jump from Liga FUTVE straight to the Premier League.
“This is a great opportunity for Liga FUTVE to pivot and find ways to compete better. It’s also for those who don’t believe in Venezuelan talent to realise that, if the Premier League is watching, there might be more players capable of making this kind of jump.”
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