Ironically enough, on the day that Edson Alvarez left West Ham United for Fenerbahce, Graham Potter really could have done with the Mexico captain at the heart of his midfield at the London Stadium.
Now, this is not to say that the former Ajax enforcer would have been, to borrow a phrase Potter seems to like these days, a ‘silver bullet’ solution to all of West Ham United’s ills.
Edson Alvarez has been at the centre of many a Premier League thrashing himself, of course. A 6-0 battering by Arsenal, plus five-goal defeats by Liverpool, Crystal Palace and [again] Chelsea.
But watching on in horror Estevao, Joao Pedro and co rip their oh-so accommodating hosts to pieces in transition, Alvarez’s aggression would certainly have been welcomed.
Graham Potter re-introduced Tomas Soucek in place of Guido Rodriguez. Alongside the typically anonymous James Ward-Prowse, however, Soucek’s return made no difference against Chelsea.
While Enzo Maresca’s side raced into a 5-1 lead before the hour-mark, meanwhile, Edson Alvarez was posing for photos in Turkey. Touching down in Istanbul and holding up the yellow and navy scarf of his new employers; Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
Edson Alvarez during AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United FC: Premier League Summer Series
Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
Edson Alvarez shocked by Fenerbahce as Mexican leaves West Ham United
Edson Alvarez joins Fenerbahce on loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, one of the most respected reporters in Turkey, claims that Fenerbahce will cover Alvarez’s £100,000-a-week wages over the course of the next nine months too.
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As such, West Ham will save £4 million on that front alone, while freeing up funds to bring in the two central midfielders Graham Potter is pining for before the window closes.
Hammers News reported on Friday that West Ham hope to sign Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa as Alvarez’s replacement.
In an interview given to the official Fenerbahce website, meanwhile, Alvarez explained the reasoning behind his switch to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Alvarez ignored advice from Mexico legend Hugo Sanchez, opting to join forces with Jose Mourinho at a Fener side desperate to claim the domestic crown after finishing runner-up to Galatasaray in each of the last two seasons.
“First of all, thank you. The interest from both the club and the fans over the past few days has been incredible,” the 27-year-old smiles, taken aback by the rapturous reception afforded to him.
“I knew Fenerbahce was a huge club before coming here but, from the first moment I arrived, I saw that Fenerbahce is much bigger than I thought.
“I’m very happy to be here. I want to train with my team as soon as possible, meet our fans in our stadium, and play in front of them.”
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Fenerbahce fans. I compare them to Mexicans. They’re very passionate and give everything for their team. As a Fenerbahce player, I will show all my quality on the field and give my all.”
Alvarez was linked with Ajax as Super Lig giants welcome him to Turkey
A return to the Netherlands was mooted, alongside reported interest from FC Porto and long-time admirers Borussia Dortmund.
Edson Alvarez’s agent initially left the Ajax door ajar, though it quickly became apparent that Jonny Heitinga’s Dutch giants could not afford to match his hefty pay packet.
🟡🔵 Edson Álvarez takes his first picture as new Fenerbahçe player.
Here with his agent Nathan van Kooperen from Muy Manero agency. pic.twitter.com/2Nf9KhzOWR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2025
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Alvarez, who will wear the number 11 shirt, joins a host of former Premier League players at Fenerbahce. Jhon Duran, Diego Carlos, Fred, Cengiz Under, Cenk Tosun, Nelson Semedo and Sofyan Amrabat were already at Mourinho’s disposal.
“We have signed a contract with Edson Alvarez, the captain of the Mexican national team,” beams a delighted Director of Football, Devin Ozek.
“He is strong, intelligent, and has high-level international experience. We are very happy to welcome him to our club.”