Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 17 May 2026 11:40, UK

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West Ham United may have to field transfer interest in Edson Alvarez from an unexpected source this summer.

Chelsea confirmed on Sunday that Xabi Alonso has been appointed as their new manager, after a four-year deal was agreed.

The Spaniard will begin his duties in July, with interim manager Calum McFarlane set to keep charge of Chelsea for their final two games of the season.

Alonso is a big fan of Alvarez, and spoke about him with plenty of admiration after his Bayer Leverkusen side knocked the Hammers out of the Europa League in 2024.

West Ham transfer chiefs are expecting the Mexico international to return from his loan move to Fenerbahce, and he could well be set for a slightly more impressive move.

Xabi Alonso’s comments on Edson Alvarez

Alvarez underwent surgery on his ankle in February, throwing another spanner into the works of a turbulent season on loan in Turkey.

The 28-year-old has made just 18 appearances across all competitions and was missing from the squad last week, despite having returned off the bench at the start of the month.

West Ham included a £19million option to buy in the deal that saw Alvarez move to Fenerbahce last summer, but it will reportedly not be triggered.

The midfielder remains under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, and will, barring further injury, go to the World Cup with Mexico this summer.

His next move could well come from an unexpected source. New Chelsea boss Alonso is a big fan of Alvarez, and waxed lyrical about him after a 2024 Europa League quarter-final in 2024.

“He has adapted very well to the Premier League coming from Ajax,” the 44-year-old said. “I know him very well and I have followed him.

“You can see the importance he has in his team, he is a very complete player, fundamental for West Ham.

“He is good with the ball, he is aggressive against the ball, he likes to jump and also has a good game with the ball at his feet. I’m telling you he is a fundamental player for West Ham.”

Alvarez faces uncertain future

Alvarez will return to the London Stadium this summer, but it is not yet clear what situation he will walk back into.

The Hammers face two key matches to determine their safety or relegation from the Premier League, and the future of a number of players is also waiting on that result.

Nuno Espirito Santo is presumably unsure about his own future, too, with the Portuguese coach likely to be sacked if his team do go down.

Alvarez would undoubtedly jump at the chance if Chelsea made an offer, although, despite Alonso’s clear admiration, it would be a shocking turn of events.