West Ham United transfer decision now clear after Edson Alvarez development
Edson Alvarez joining up with his team-mates in the US suggests that West Ham United may not need to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes.
The Hammers posted on their official X account (29 July) that Alvarez had jetted in to join up with the squad in Tampa as he continues his recovery from an injury picked up at the Copa America with Mexico.
While Alvarez's return from a posterior thigh tear, described as "bad news" by Julen Lopetegui [1 July], is too soon for him to face Crystal Palace in their next friendly, it's good news for the speed of his recovery.
Edson Alvarez return relieves stress on West Ham transfer targets
Lopetegui was appointed as the Irons' new manager knowing that a huge overhaul of the squad was needed [Evening Standard, 8 May], with holes to fill in defence, midfield and attack.
Naturally, Alvarez's injury on international duty has only caused further disruption, as Lopetegui tries to shape his new side into one which can get back into European competition next season.
However, after Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham and Max Kilman were all brought through the doors at a fairly quick pace, incoming transfers have ground to a halt, with plenty of work still to do.
Another centre-back, right-back and most pressingly of all, a centre-forward, must be signed before the opening day on 17 August, and arguably a central midfielder should also be near the top of that list.
However, Alvarez's arrival on the Hammers' pre-season tour should give everyone associated with the club a massive boost – from players, staff and fans, to those with their hands on the purse-strings.
Minus Alvarez, the Irons' midfield looked threadbare to say the least, and though further reinforcements wouldn't go amiss, the club can now prioritise the areas of the pitch that they need to address urgently.