Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 1 June 2026 10:39, UK

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Edson Alvarez will be the subject of a difficult decision for West Ham United this summer amid his imminent return.

The midfielder was loaned out to Fenerbahce last summer with an option to buy inserted into the deal, with the Turkish club opting against it.

He remains under contract until 2028 at the London Stadium, but West Ham’s relegation to the Championship may complicate matters.

However, after watching Alvarez as Mexico beat Australia 1-0 courtesy of Johan Vasquez’s goal on Sunday, the Hammers may be considering how they can convince him to stay.

West Ham transfer chiefs will have plenty of such situations this summer, but the 28-year-old feels as if he could be one to stay on.

Remarkable Edson Alvarez stats vs Australia

Alvarez underwent surgery in February after suffering a significant injury to his ankle. The midfielder had already missed some of the first half of the season through hamstring problems, and this was a killer blow to any hopes of staying permanently.

Alvarez would ultimately make just 18 appearances across all competitions for Fenerbahce, with the option to buy understandably passed up.

The 28-year-old will now go to the World Cup with Mexico, one of the host nations, and will return to West Ham after that.

Another move could be possible, but Nuno Espirito Santo may try his hand at convincing the former Ajax man to stay.

Especially after his performance on Sunday, which actually came from the centre of defence.

Alvarez was full value for his clean sheet, misplacing just two passes throughout his 60 minutes on the pitch and registering numerous defensive contributions.

⏱️ 90’ | Five minutes of stoppage time. ⏰

🇲🇽 1-0 🇦🇺#SomosMéxico pic.twitter.com/7ZTHXPTDPJ

— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) May 31, 2026

The Mexican made a block, five clearances, won a free-kick and won every duel he contested on the day.

West Ham face uphill battle to convince Alvarez

Alvarez arrived at West Ham in 2023, joining in a deal worth around £35million and sought to replace Arsenal-bound Declan Rice.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a decent first season in the Premier League, and started the majority of his second season, too.

Álvarez ➡️ Emerson 💫

A goal that our performance deserved! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/YiBXPH4LZQ

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 26, 2025

But last summer, Alvarez made it clear that he wanted to leave following Graham Potter’s appointment.

That feeling reportedly has not left, with Ajax rumoured to be offering a route back to the Netherlands for the midfielder, but Nuno will hope that he can convince the Mexico international to give it one more year.