Recently, West Ham completed the surprise signing of World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer. Although signing a new midfielder wasn't a priority in the transfer window but experienced midfielder Tomas Soucek's struggles to adapt to Lopetegui's possession based tactical setup led the club to consider bringing in a defensive midfielder.
Besides holding the base of the midfield, Rodriguez is a deep lying playmaker who can play as a pivot as well and his pace and passing will improve the Hammers build up play as well. Also, Rodriguez won the Copa Del Rey with Real Betis in 2021/22 season alongside winning two Copa America in 2021 and 2024 as well as the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina as well. This shows that the the midfielder is a big game player and brings a winning mentality alongside him which is important for West Ham in their ambitions to return to playing European football.
New signing Guido Rodriguez reveals the future of West Ham teammate
Therefore, with the Argentine's signing Julen Lopetegui's side have improved their midfield. However, there is another West Ham midfielder who has been a star signing for the club whose future at West Ham is uncertain with interest in him from top European clubs. Edson Alvarez is a star player for West Ham and recently joined the West Ham squad in preseason after recovering from his muscle injury.
At the start of the summer transfer window, clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich had expressed their interest in signing Alvarez. Both United and Bayern were interested in the midfielder as they look to find a long term replacement for their star defensive midfielders Casemiro and Kimmich.
However, Alvarez's muscle injury in the Copa America 2024 reduced that interest but still there is speculation that Alvarez could still join a top European club this summer. However, Alvarez's former Club America teammate Guido Rodriguez who has recently joined West Ham revealed a positive update on Alvarez's future. Speaking to the club's official website, Rodriguez said,
"I think it’s the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing.Guido Rodriguez
I spoke to Edson before signing, and we’re both really looking forward to working together again."
This suggests that Alvarez will stay at the London Stadium for this season. It is a massive boost for West Ham as their star player Edson Alvarez will play for West Ham this season as the club aims to secure a top six finish this season in order to return to playing European football from the next season.