The ridiculous clause West Ham simply can't sign off on for Edson Alvarez exit

Edson Alvarez appears to be closing in on a West Ham United exit, but it simply has to be on the Hammers' terms.

The Mexico international spent last season on loan in Turkey with Fenerbahce.

However, he is now back at the London Stadium and has two years left to run on his existing deal.

Alvarez is not part of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans and is desperately seeking an exit prior to the transfer window closing.

Real Sociedad have been in advanced talks to sign Alvarez from West Ham.

But fresh details on a possible deal do not sound good from West Ham's perspective.

Why West Ham need to think twice about Edson Alvarez agreement

Everything is pointing towards Alvarez becoming a Sociedad player very soon indeed.

However, as relayed by The Standard, it is expected to be a loan arrangement with an option to make the deal permanent.

The key word there is "option". Yet again Alvarez is being let out, only to return a year down the line.

The difference this time is that he will have just 12 months to run on his contract, meaning less bargaining power for West Ham.

Quite why the Irons are unable to get the midfielder, once hailed a "leader" by Julen Lopetegui, off their books for good is just ridiculous.

If United have any sense, they will go back to the negotiating table and demand Sociedad make the deal permanent, whether this summer or next.

Why it could be one out, one in at West Ham

Assuming Alvarez does indeed leave over the coming days - hopefully for good - it paves the way for another player to come in.

It was reported on Thursday that Divine Mukasa is set to join on loan from Manchester City.

Mukasa spent time on the Hammers' books prior to joining Man City in 2023, of course, and he has experience of Championship football.

That looks like being some smart business on the face of it as the great summer rebuild continues.