The novel core–shell type polymeric supports with accessible phosphorus groups were synthesised in the search for new reactive materials designed for the synthesis of functional resins. Amberlite XAD-4 adsorbent was impregnated with tri octyl phosphine oxides (Cyanex 921), which were then polymerized in the polymer carrier structure. The syntheses were evaluated by capturing FT-IR spectra, SEM micrographs, and analysing the sorption process. Batch studies were conducted to study the influence of some factors like pH, contact time, the metal ions concentration, and temperature on sorption efficiency of La (III) ions. The results showed that the optimum conditions were at pH equal to 0.5 and an equilibrium contact time of 30 min. According to the results of the sorption data analysis, the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models were better fitted than the other estimated models. The sorption capacity of La (III) ions into impregnated resin as adsorbent martial was 54.25 mg g−1. The results revealed that the used adsorbent has been used successfully as a promising material for the elimination and recovery of La ions from the aqueous solutions. The impregnated resin exhibits a high chemical stability, reusability and fast equilibration. Further, the above procedure has been successfully employed for the application of real sample.