Tonight, Edson Álvarez captains the Mexican National team in what will be the most important match of his life, and that goes for the rest of his squad. Álvarez represents the last of West Ham players in the World Cup. He said as much when speaking to reporters on the eve of facing England in the round of 16.
"I'm still a West Ham player... now I'm focused on the National Team, but I must report with them."Edson Álvarez
It's not much, but it is an acknowledgement that he’ll be reporting to West Ham after his World Cup run is over. Right now, returning to East London seems like a viable option for Álvarez. One year ago Álvarez a strong Gold Cup campaign and even scored the match-winner against the United States in the finals. The result was a loan move to Fenerbahçe in the Turkish league with an option to buy. Because of an injury-plagued season, the club did not pick up the option. So far in this tournament, Álvarez has performed admirably at times, but has been asked to switch from defensive midfield to a central defender. Additionally, Álvarez did not start the first match against South Africa and was benched for the round of 32 match against Ecuador. If he’s on the bench again against England is a clear message to any potential suitors that Álvarez may not be fit enough.
The stark reality means he may have to recommit to West Ham and maybe even continue playing a central defensive role. Now Nuno Espírito Santo, Nils Koppen, and Daniel Křetínský face one of the most consequential decisions of their summer: what exactly do they do with him?
There may even be a logjam at the defensive midfield positions. Returning are Tomas Soucek, who publicly announced he would be coming back last week. Freddie Potts, who has enjoyed plenty of success at the Championship level. Mohammed Kante and Soungoutou Magassa make up the rest at that position. Lewis Orford will also get a look, and the club will certainly be watching the transfer market. They’ve been linked to several midfielders, including Gustavo Sá. While he may be more of an attacking number 10, he can also step in and replace Mateus Fernandes. West Ham will also have to figure out how to move on from James Ward-Prowse.
During the same press conference where Álvarez told reporters he’d be returning to West Ham he also indicated he is willing to play centre-back. Despite never playing the position while in the Premier League, he has spent most of his career in a versatile role and has always been willing to play either position.
While defensive midfield is experiencing a logjam, central defense is not. West Ham are still waiting to confirm the return of Konstantinos Mavropanos, and whether he stays or goes, depth is a major concern. Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman are both looking for a move away, and West Ham are mutually in agreement to find them new homes. If those transfers go through, the options are scarce. Which means keeping Álvarez and proving he can reinvent himself as a defender at the club level may give him an out by January.
Křetínský, Nuno, and the new director of recruiting, Nils Koppen, would need to make Álvarez feel as though there is a specific direction for the club, but even more so a defined role and competing for a spot. If Křetínský wants to keep key players, why wouldn’t Álvarez be one of them? As West Ham’s new majority owner, Křetínský has also made it known that the club isn’t in a rush to sell anyone for below what the club paid for him.
4 years ago, Álvarez came to the London Stadium from Dutch side Ajax for £35 million. At the moment, the expectation is that he won’t be able to draw enough interest at that number. While most teams interested wouldn’t pay above £15 million, half a season in the Championship may actually restore his value.
A lot is riding on tonight’s match. Surely both teams want to continue their World Cup journey, but for Álvarez, getting back into a match can mean the difference between staying or leaving East London for good.
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