West Ham’s summer transfer window was one of the most turbulent in recent memory.
A host of long-serving and influential players departed – from Mohamed Kudus, who sealed a controversial move to Spurs, to Emerson Palmieri and Nayef Aguerd, both of whom returned to Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, Michail Antonio, the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer, departed on a free following his car crash earlier this year.
Among those to also leave was midfielder Edson Álvarez, who joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a season-long loan, with the move including an option to buy next summer for around £19 million.
As captain of the Mexico national team and a player once described as “great” by former Hammers boss David Moyes, many expected him to remain an important figure in Graham Potter’s plans.
But instead, Álvarez has opted for a fresh start abroad — and has now explained why.
Alvarez Explains Decision to Leave West Ham
Edson Alvarez. (Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
Álvarez, despite his reputation and Moyes’ praise, endured a mixed time at the London Stadium.
Since arriving from Ajax in 2023, he often struggled to dominate midfield battles or impose himself consistently, as West Ham slipped away from European contention and found themselves fighting just to hold mid-table ground.
Speaking to Fox Sports Mexico, the 26-year-old admitted that choosing to leave the Premier League was not easy, but ultimately necessary for his own career.
“Obviously, it was a very difficult decision to know that I was leaving the Premier League,” Álvarez said. “In the end, I made the decision mainly for myself, because in the end, this is my career, it’s my story.”
The Mexico internationa; went on to reveal that the support of those closest to him was key in giving him the courage to walk away from West Ham.
“Supported by my family, which I think is the most important thing,” he said. “If you have the support of your family, your friends, your close people, well, I think it becomes even easier.”
Although his move to Turkey is officially only a loan, the £19 million option to buy means his time in claret and blue could well be over. With Fenerbahce offering European football, passionate backing, and a fresh environment, it seems increasingly unlikely West Ham will see him return to the London Stadium.
For Hammers fans, it feels like the end of the road for a player who promised much, but never truly delivered.