Amidst the crisis of West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League, little focus has been on those players loaned out overseas and away from the spotlight. Few can have had such a challenging season as former Hammers midfielder Edson Alvarez.
Discarded and dispatched on loan by Graham Potter last August, Alvarez headed to Fenerbahce to play under Jose Mourinho – only to find the manager sacked no sooner than ‘El Machin’ arrived in Turkey. Worse followed as he struggled with persistent ankle problems that eventually led to surgery in March – in total he managed just 18 games in the season and there were fears he’d not recover in time for the World Cup.
Fortunately Alvarez has made the squad but is now looking at an uncertain future with the Hammers destined for Championship football next season.
Edson Alvarez
An injury-plagued season has dogged Edson Alvarez – but he has recovered in time for Mexico’s World Cup campaign
Claims that ‘his world has fallen apart’ from insidefutbol.com might be a little strong but there’s no doubt the former West Ham midfielder is at a career crossroads, along with fellow overseas loanees Fullkrug and Cornet who are all, in hindsight, unwanted, expensive transfer mistakes.
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Two more years remain on Alvarez’ Hammers contract but the Irons’ need to cut costs means the likelihood of him being offloaded are high.
Ajax have been linked with a move for him as has Mexican side Monterrey– much will depend on Alvarez’ performance whilst in the World Cup shop window.
A decent campaign may yet rescue both the player and West Ham and attract a new club looking for a bargain: Of the on-loan trio, Alvarez alone is likely to bring any significant financial return but probably nothing even close to his amortised book value – thought to be in the region of £13 million.