West Ham Agree Deal In Principle For Álvarez Exit

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez is edging closer to a move to the Bundesliga according to Sky Germany.

FC Köln and West Ham are reported to have reached an agreement in principle over a loan deal for the Mexican midfielder.

Agreement Reached In Principle

The same reports from Sky say that an agreement on wages has yet to be reached, although that should not prove too much of an issue.

Álvarez is, like the majority of his West Ham team-mates, due a 50% pay cut following relegation to the Championship. Therefore, even the relatively modest German outfit should be able to afford wages in the region of £40,000 per week, which is what he would have been paid had he remained at the London Stadium.

Loan Rather Than Permanent Sale?

Other clubs remain interested in the midfielder, whom the Hammers signed from Ajax for £33 million.

Clearly, the West Ham owners would rather hold out for a transfer fee for the player.

But, as with last season’s loan deal to Fenerbahçe, the club may have to settle for a nominal loan fee, full wages being covered and an option to buy.