Edson Alvarez exit becomes complicated as West Ham could only have themselves to blame
Edson Alvarez's proposed move to FC Koln is yet to be agreed with West Ham United.
The midfielder looks set to leave the London Stadium after being out on loan with Fenerbahce last season.
It is highly unlikely that the 28-year-old stays with the Hammers following their relegation to the Championship, with Nuno Espirito Santo readying his team for a promotion push.
Alvarez has spent this summer at the World Cup with Mexico, and featured in his nation's Round of 16 defeat to England.
The midfielder has been progressing in talks to make the move to the Bundesliga, but not all is as it seems.
That's because Koln are not prepared to pay the finances required to sign Alvarez, with Benfica ready to swoop.
Edson Alvarez transfer twist in full
According to Florian Plettenberg on X this Saturday, Benfica have entered the race to sign Alvarez.
Koln still want to complete a deal for the Mexican, though he is currently "too expensive" at this stage.
It remains to be seen what Benfica are ready to pay themselves, with the Portuguese side in need of a new midfielder.
West Ham Zone has previously covered that Alvarez has been hesitant over a move to Koln, despite initial encouragement.
The former Ajax star is open to leaving the Irons, and it does look like he will, but it may not as soon as first hoped for Nuno's men.
Why West Ham have to bite their lip with Alvarez deal
It had been reported that West Ham had agreed a deal to send Alvarez to Koln on loan.
Gathering information from the latest update, it's clear that the terms discussed are now that of as too high for the German side.
The Hammers paid around £35million to sign him from Ajax in 2023, and understandably want to get some of that money back.
They inserted a £19.4m buy clause into his loan deal with Fenerbahce, and there could be a potential obligation to buy in talks with Koln, too.
Regardless, whether it be the obligation or outright salary payments, there is a disagreement, and West Ham may regret being too greedy, especially for a player that is eating up a chunk of the wage bill.