By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham could look to retain Edson Alvarez for at least the first half of the Championship campaign following the injury to Tomas Soucek.
As revealed by Claret & Hugh earlier this afternoon, Soucek could be out for as long as three months following the injury he sustained against Mexico in the World Cup.
C&H spoke to Soucek’s representative earlier today, who informed us of the severity of the Czech midfielder’s knee and ankle injuries, with further scans still required.
Exclusive Hint From Team Soucek
When we asked the same member of Team Soucek about the impact on West Ham and the start of the Championship campaign, we were told:
“Who knows, maybe they will keep Alvarez now.”
It’s only a passing comment, but perhaps not without significance.
A Change Of Fortune?
If accurate, it would represent quite a turnaround for Alvarez.
The Mexican midfielder had been expected to leave the club this summer, with agents tasked with finding the former Ajax man a new club.
Alvarez was deemed surplus to requirements under former manager Graham Potter but has yet to be given a proper opportunity under Nuno Espírito Santo.
At this point, we simply don’t know whether the current Hammers boss fancies the player or not.
A Ready-Made Solution?
Because most people assumed Alvarez would leave, few had factored him into West Ham’s plans for next season’s promotion push.
But with the likelihood of Mateus Fernandes departing, and now the loss of Tomas Soucek through injury, it perhaps wouldn’t be the worst idea to keep Alvarez on the books until the full extent of Soucek’s injury becomes clear.
It may not have been the original plan, but circumstances have a habit of changing quickly in football.
It’s not like we don’t have plenty of midfielders, Magassa, Kante, Orford, Potts who could do a job if Alvarez is sold.