West Ham United defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez is a target for his former club Ajax this summer (VI.NL).
The four-time UEFA Champions League winners want to take him on loan from the Hammers.
West Ham brought Alvarez to the London Stadium two years ago from the Eredivisie club. He had an excellent first season. Unfortunately, his form declined last term.
Ajax are now interested in coming back for the 27-year-old Mexican international.
However, the problem is that the club lacks the financial means to even take him on loan, despite the player’s desire to leave East London for Amsterdam.
The Hammers are ready to sanction an exit for Alvarez, who earns £100,000 per week, but Ajax are hesitating because they are cash-strapped.
West Ham are eager to upgrade the defensive midfield area this summer – Alvarez’s position. He struggled last season, and back-up Guido Rodriguez wasn’t much better.
West Ham have been linked to defensive midfielders like Ngal’ayel Mukau and Raphael Onyedika, potential replacements for Alvarez, but nothing has materialised.
West Ham should push for Mukau if they can get Alvarez off the books
West Ham should consider signing Lille’s Mukau. He is an excellent reader of the game, which allows him to make crucial interceptions and blocks.
Mukau combines that anticipation with the pace to cover ground quickly and the physical presence to impose himself in midfield battles.
That blend of intelligence and steel is exactly what West Ham have been missing in the middle.
Lille have a track record of producing midfielders who thrive in the Premier League, with Carlos Baleba at Brighton & Hove Albion and Amadou Onana at Aston Villa/Everton proving the point.
If West Ham can move Alvarez on, securing Mukau’s signature should be a priority. He could bring the control, bite, and energy needed to transform the midfield.