Edson Alvarez reveals Tim Steidten phone call convinced him to join West Ham United
Edson Alvarez has revealed a phone call from West Ham technical director Tim Steidten convinced him to make the move to East London in the summer transfer window.
The Mexican midfielder shared that Steidten told him he was the first choice in his position and that he wanted him to join the project at the London Stadium.
Alvarez said he had always dreamed of moving to the Premier League as that’s where the biggest competition is, and called West Ham a “great club”, expressing his pride in playing for the Hammers.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany [23 October], the midfielder was asked about his move to East London, and he revealed: “I’m very happy about that. I’ve always said that it was my dream to move to the Premier League. In my opinion, that’s where the biggest competition is.
“West Ham is a great club with wonderful people. For me as a player, it’s important to play regularly and get minutes. I’m playing, so I’m happy. In my opinion, we’re doing very well in the Premier League so far.
“It was funny because he called me and said, ‘Listen. I want you for my new project. You’re my first choice. I want you and know what you can give to our team.’
“He gave me confidence and the opportunity. Then I said to him: ‘Tim, if you really want me, I’ll come. Then I want to play for West Ham in the Premier League.'”
Steidten’s influence already showing
There was a report during the transfer window in The Guardian [29 July] which claimed there had been a disagreement between Steidten and David Moyes over transfer decisions, but the technical director clearly got his way on at least this decision.
Moyes, I’m sure, will be pleased with the eventual outcome in this case, but there is a certain phrasing of what Alvarez said that could provide an insight into the way the club is operating at the moment.
The midfielder claimed that Steidten had told him he wanted him to join “his project”, not the club’s project, not Moyes’ project, but Steidten’s project. Maybe there’s nothing to it, but the phrasing is certainly worth noting there.
Alvarez will feel so far this season that he’s made a good decision after a strong start to the season for Moyes’ side, and they will be looking to remain competitive for the rest of the season across all four competitions.
In other West Ham news, fear has emerged for Hammers fans ahead of the Olympiacos clash.