West Ham’s ‘El Machin” Edson Alvarez never really lived up to his first season promise. After joining the Hammers following Declan Rice’s sale to Arsenal, Alvarez was supposed to be the direct replacement for about 1/3 of Rice’s price when Tim Steidten brought him to the club from Ajax.
Alvarez arrived in London in Tim Steidten’s famous private jet
After a reasonable first season, The Mexican’s form dropped and he became something of a red and yellow-card magnet under first Lopetegui then Potter and was dispatched to Turkey on loan as a way of getting him out of sight and out of mind.
His loan was disastrous, leading to an early curtailment and ankle surgery, from which he recovered in time to take part in Mexico’s World Cup campaign including an appearance as a substitute against England. Now Alvarez wants out, and it seems there is some momentum finally growing towards a creditable exit route.
According to goal.com:
“Ajax are pushing hard to bring Edson Alvarez back, Mike Verweij reported on Tuesday. The Mexican has already held talks with technical director Jordi Cruyff.
De Telegraaf’s Ajax watcher says a deal will be complicated, though. Ajax also face stiff competition from Real Sociedad, who are keen to sign the Mexican too.
West Ham United want to offload Álvarez this summer. The club still want fifteen million euros for him. Ajax are willing to pay that amount, but they need to sell first.”
The report raises the intriguing issue of still unpaid transfer fees from Alvarez’ move to West Ham three years ago:
“Verweij [ the journalist] says the ‘key’ to the negotiations could lie in the fact that West Ham United still owe Ajax fourteen of the 38 million euros for Álvarez. “Ajax reportedly still prefer to create their own ‘war chest’ through a transfer rather than bring forward the final instalments from West Ham United”.
Whichever route leads to an exit for Alvarez ahead of the window closing on 2nd September will suit West Ham just fine as it is clear they would like him out as much as the player himself wants to leave.
Gutted. He’d be an amazing player for us if used properly.
I always wondered what happened to Jordi, he was an ok player for Barcelona and Man Utd but his dad’s achievements and ability weighed heavily on him
Another class player gone We might as well hire out Hackney Marshes next year the way we are going