West Ham U-Turn Came Too Late for €15m Midfielder Deal

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

West Ham rejected an offer worth €15m for midfielder Edson Álvarez, Claret & Hugh can reveal today.

As we covered earlier this afternoon, Álvarez has now been drafted back into Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad and could well play some part in the Hammers’ behind-closed-doors friendly at Rush Green this week.

But it was very much touch and go whether the Mexican would remain at the London Stadium this season when Olympiacos came calling.

West Ham rejected €15m Álvarez offer

Speaking directly to an agent who helped facilitate Álvarez’s move to Fenerbahçe last year after being informed he was surplus to requirements under Graham Potter, C&H were told: “Olympiacos bid €10m plus €5m in add-ons but West Ham rejected it because it was too low.”

However, West Ham subsequently reassessed their valuation of the former Ajax midfielder.

When the Hammers went back to the Greek club to see whether the deal could be resurrected, they were told it was too late. Olympiacos had already moved on.

That decision has ultimately left Álvarez at West Ham and, as Claret & Hugh revealed earlier today, Nuno is more than happy to have him back in his squad.

Nuno suddenly has another option

Perhaps Álvarez’s versatility may help his cause. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, he has represented Mexico in central defence and has even captained his country from that position.

Nuno certainly isn’t short of midfielders.

With seven of them currently pushing for what appears to be two first-team places, things are going to get very interesting once the Championship season resumes against Queens Park Rangers on 9 October.

Álvarez looked to be heading out of West Ham only a matter of weeks ago. Instead, a rejected €15m offer and a transfer rethink have given him another opportunity to force his way into Nuno’s plans.