West Ham United could hijack Borussia Dortmund deal to sign Edson Alvarez amid Declan Rice exit development
West Ham may revive their interest in Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez this summer, should his move to German giants Borussia Dortmund break down, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian reports (4 July) that the Hammers are looking to replace the outgoing Declan Rice with two midfielders, with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, Juventus’s Denis Zakaria, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse all being considered.
However, Dortmund have reportedly waned in their interest for Mexican Alvarez [90Mins], which may leave David Moyes’ side as frontrunners to secure the £45million man [The Guardian].
Needed back-up
For West Ham fans, almost any Declan Rice replacement will feel underwhelming after losing one of the most exciting young players in the world. But, West Ham are seemingly not resting on their laurels and are pushing hard on multiple quality replacements.
Alvarez is an influential central midfielder and is very impactful in his sides’ transition of the ball up the field and to create attacks, but also does the required defensive duties to protect his backline.
He averages 7.76 progressive passes per 90 (92nd percentile) while making 2.65 clearances per 90 (99th percentile), showing his versatility and ability to impact all areas of the pitch [FBRef].
One issue West Ham fans may take with this signing is the price tag. While the reported £45million seems reasonable considering Alvarez’s quality and young age (25), the other option being explored by the club may be cheaper.
Zakaria could come in for as low as £15.4million [Calcio Mercato] from Juventus and has displayed plenty of potential to make him worth a punt for David Moyes as a cheaper alternate.
However, other options such as Fulham’s Palhinha may cost up to £60million [Football Insider], but he would come in as Premier League-proven talent.
Alvarez comes in somewhere in between, with proven quality in midfield but unproven in England.
There are plenty of quality options for West Ham, and they look like a real project this summer which may go a long way in attracting quality personnel. The addition of Europa League football next season puts the Irons a cut above the rest of mid-table also, so sealing Alvarez’s signature may be easier.
In other West Ham news, Hammers may walk away from Declan Rice deal following latest impasse.