News that Edson Alvarez will not return to the West Ham first team until mid-September may have a silver lining.
The Mexican midfielder had been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with Manchester United showing interest. However, the Old Trafford recruitment team had to pause their move for Alvarez after he suffered a hamstring injury and exited the Copa América.
Despite the injury, Alvarez was still considered a major target for the Red Devils, who are seeking a replacement for Casemiro, who struggled in the season opener against Fulham. Former West Ham target Scott McTominay remains available, and Manchester United were still monitoring Alvarez’s recovery closely to potentially make a bid towards the end of the transfer window.
However, Alvarez’s unavailability until mid-September could hinder any transfer plans during this window. While this injury is disappointing for West Ham in terms of his absence, it will surely prompt Manchester United to explore other options.
One thing that gets missed is that while some incoming money would be useful it does not have to be this window. January often sees inflated prices and teams needing to do business because of long term performance and league position. Money in Jnuary still counts for the years FFP. So even if Alvarez might be off (and that’s an if) presumably he is going to be fit in January. As for him leaving he is a card magnet and unless Lopetequi can fix that I could see him being moved on for a profit. One card is an issue, a second (which teams will target) and ten men a whole other different type of problem
He’s not for sale.
No story to be had.
Good. We don’t want to weaken the team by selling our best defensive midfielder.
Álvarez is our key defensive midfielder and was sorely missed on Saturday. Let’s hope he recovers fully and quickly so we don’t get overrun through the centre like we did against Villa. 🙏