By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Claret & Hugh has learned this afternoon that Mexican midfielder Edson Álvarez remains part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans at West Ham.
Speaking earlier today to an agent who was involved in Álvarez’s move to Fenerbahçe last season, we were told: “Nuno really likes him [Álvarez] and told West Ham he doesn’t mind if he stays.”
It is a significant update on a player who appeared destined to leave the London Stadium this summer. Indeed, C&H reported earlier this month that Álvarez would remain at West Ham until at least January, but the latest information suggests Nuno is considerably more receptive to using the midfielder than perhaps first thought.
Álvarez Back With Nuno’s Group
This comes off the back of information from ExWHUEmployee, who has revealed the former Ajax man is back in training as part of Espírito Santo’s group.
The big test will no doubt be whether Álvarez plays some part in the Hammers’ behind-closed-doors friendly at Rush Green this week.
As Claret & Hugh revealed on Sunday, Tomáš Souček is due to feature in the game as he continues his return from ankle ligament damage. The fixture could now provide an equally interesting indication of where Álvarez stands in Nuno’s thinking.
Espirito Santo has welcomed Alvarez back into training
West Ham Rejected Cash Offers
It’s also been revealed to C&H that West Ham did in fact reject cash offers for the Mexican during the summer, deeming them to be below their valuation.
We had already been made aware that there was more than one interested party, but none of the proposals were considered sufficient for West Ham to sanction his departure.
That now leaves Álvarez with an opportunity few might have expected several weeks ago.
He is back training with Nuno’s group, West Ham rejected offers rather than simply getting rid of him, and a source involved in his previous transfer has now told us the manager “really likes him”.
The behind-closed-doors friendly should give us our next clue.
Never a doubt that he’s got the balls.
Need to curtail it sometimes to stay away from cards.
Could save whu money in January if he’s utilised to his strengths.
Get back in premier league his transfer fee could even increase.
Nuno needs to show his intentions by playing him an Magassa.
Money saved on centre back could go towards goalkeeping reinforcement.
Trying him at centre back is a no brainer . He has experience playing there and he certainly can’t be worse than Kilman . He gets stuck in and has captained his country on numerous occasions.
Maybe the behind closed doors friendly can be used to see how he does as a center back (to partner Mav when he comes back)… People around here have been asking for a blood-and-guts Craig Dawson/James Collins type, and Alvarez certainly doesn’t mind sticking a boot in.