West Ham may need to explore alternative options if they are to move on a midfielder once valued at £60 million.
Just over a year ago, Edson Álvarez was being linked with a £50–60 million move to Manchester United at the start of the summer transfer window.
At that point, West Ham appeared ready to cash in on the Mexican international, with Tim Steidten already identifying potential replacements.
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However, an untimely injury to Álvarez during Mexico’s game against Michail Antonio’s Jamaica saw transfer talks collapse.
It’s remarkable how quickly fortunes have changed for all involved—West Ham, Álvarez, and Antonio—with the Hammers now seemingly struggling to find a buyer for the former Ajax man.
Despite scoring the winning goal for his country in the Gold Cup and being named Player of the Tournament, Álvarez has yet to attract any concrete offers.
No interest in West Ham midfielder Alvarez despite winning player of the tournament at the Gold Cup
As revealed by Claret & Hugh last weekend, Irons boss Graham Potter is unsure whether the 27-year-old fits into his system. The club has started tracking Lille’s defensive midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, suggesting Álvarez is now surplus to requirements.
If no permanent bids are received, West Ham may be forced to accept a loan move. Don’t be surprised if they agree to a deal involving a substantial loan fee with 100% of his wages covered—rather than a full transfer.