West Ham have made Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid’s loan move from Deportivo La Guaira permanent.
The 22-year-old joined up during the January transfer window on loan with an option to buy and made one senior appearance during his six-month spell with the club, against Burton Albion in the FA Cup. He was named in three Premier League matchday squads, but did not feature.
He played a more prominent role for the Under-21s, registering two goal contributions in three Premier League 2 appearances.
Standard Sport reported earlier this month that the Hammers had triggered their buy option, worth £1million, and the news has now been confirmed by the club.
Nuno Espirito Santo gave Lamadrid’s signing the green light, with the expectation he will challenge for first-team minutes next season. He has signed a five-year contract.
A club statement read: “Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Keiber on completing his transfer and wish him the best for his future career in Claret and Blue.”
This deal is the first completed by the men’s side in what is expected to be a busy transfer window following their relegation to the Championship. Plenty of incomings and outgoings are expected as West Ham look to raise funds, with Matheus Fernandes expected to net £80m.
The club has also confirmed the sale of Hungarian shotstopper Krisztian Hegyi to Sparta Prague. The 23-year-old departs without having made a senior appearance in seven years with the club.
There has been early movement in the women’s squad, too, as the Irons have secured the signing of ex-Arsenal and Barcelona defender Laia Codina on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old Codina, a three-time Champions League winner, helped Spain to World Cup glory in 2023 and has agreed a three-year deal with Rita Guarino’s side in something of a transfer coup.
“We’re delighted to welcome a player of Laia’s quality to West Ham United,” said Guarino, who replaced Rehanne Skinner as the club’s head coach in December 2025.
“To have won both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Women’s Champions League is an outstanding achievement. She is a proven winner, and that mentality and experience will be a huge asset to this group.”
