Rarely does Edson Alvarez speak to the media without his future at Premier League outfit West Ham United coming into question.
Not for the first time, and possibly not for the last, the topic soon turned towards the Mexico international’s plans ahead of the summer transfer window when in conversation with reporters back home.
If reports are to be believed, Edson Alvarez is living ‘his final days’ at West Ham.
As director Tim Steidten explained, Borussia Dortmund came within touching distance of signing Alvarez when he was an Ajax player back in 2023, only for West Ham United to snatch the imposing defensive midfielder from out of their clutches to the tune of £35 million.
Dortmund are rumoured to be interested again. Ditto Bayern Munich, although that may depend on Joao Palhinha’s fate at the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions. Amid reported interest from West Ham, former Fulham ace Palhinha is determined to stay at Bayern and prove his doubters wrong.
The comments Edson Alvarez made when talking to TUDN Mexico, however, provided less clarity and more questions.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Edson Alvarez namedrops Chelsea when discussing West Ham future
While insisting that he is still happy with life in South London, it’s telling that Alvarez did not confirm or deny his West Ham fate. This, he says, ‘is football. It can change at any moment’.
“Obviously, as a professional footballer, there’s always going to be a lot of buzz around you, in the sense that there will always be options, that there are teams that are watching you,” the former Club America powerhouse explains.
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“That personal motivation to continue growing as a player, as a person.”
According to reports which emerged in March, Chelsea could look to lure Edson Alvarez away from their London rivals. The Blues are long-time admirers, having failed with a £42 million bid for the two-time Eredivisie champions three years ago.
Given the choice between a move to the Bundesliga and a prolonged stay in England, it is pretty clear which option Alvarez would pick.
“Like with Chelsea, like with Dortmund, being in this league puts you in the spotlight of every team,” he adds. “You are in the Premier League, where the eyes of the world are on you.
“Totally [I would prefer to stay in England]. I mean, the Premier League as we all know is the most competitive league in the world. Of course, I would love to stay here, to continue competing, because I just think being in a league like this brings out the best version of yourself.”
Alvarez back available for West Ham after recent injury
While Guido Rodriguez was handed a rare start last time out against Manchester United – West Ham leapfrogged the Red Devils and Tottenham to go 15th – Alvarez made a cameo appearance off the bench.
His first appearance since the 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth in early April, having been kept on the sidelines since then by a back issue.
Like with Rodriguez, Alvarez’s lack of pace has hampered him in the Premier League. Two red cards this season alone rather highlight the occasional recklessness which speedy, tricky forwards can exploit pretty handily.
According to reports, West Ham could look to bring Angel Gomes back to England when his Lille contract expires. Gomes, formerly of Manchester United, may be a more mobile, technically-accomplished alternative in the centre of the park.