Negotiations with Ajax’s Edson Alvarez are also being delayed as West Ham, who have yet to sign a new player in the transfer market, are also delaying.
British media ’90MIN’ reported on the 6th that “West Ham is delaying discussions with Ajax about the Mexican midfielder Álvarez.”
Last season for West Ham was eventful. In the 2021/22 season, it ranked 7th in the league and promoted, but in the 2022/23 season, it hovered around the lower ranks and fought for the relegation zone. West Ham narrowly avoided relegation by finishing the season in 14th place after fierce competition from other EPL clubs. At least, he kept his last pride by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.안전놀이터
West Ham have struggled with recruiting this summer. Rather, it is a situation where only the player leakage has occurred. Declan Rice, captain of the team last season, left for Arsenal for £105m. According to England’s ‘Daily Mail’, West Ham’s striker Gianluca Scarmaka is currently likely to transfer to Serie A Atalanta for 27.6 million pounds (approximately 45.8 billion won).
West Ham also tried to sign their own, but it didn’t work out as they wanted. According to ‘Sky Sports’, West Ham tried unsuccessfully to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United. According to the global sports media ‘The Athletic’, an offer of 40 million pounds (about 66.4 billion won) for Conor Gallagher was also rejected by Chelsea. Recently, even the signing of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse went back in vain.
In response, West Ham turned to Alvarez. He is a versatile resource who can play both as a defensive midfielder and centre-back. Last season, Alvarez recorded four goals and three assists in 44 games across all competitions. According to ’90MIN’, he received interest from Chelsea last year and was on the verge of a move to Borussia Dortmund this summer, but it was canceled.
West Ham have started to sign Alvarez, but even this is not easy. According to ’90MIN’, West Ham’s initial offer was 25.9 million pounds (about 43 billion won), but Ajax set Alvarez’s ransom at 30.2 million pounds (about 50.1 billion won). It remains to be seen if West Ham can overcome the transfer fee difference and achieve the first contract.