West Ham United Re-enter Race For Ajax Superstar

West Ham are reportedly set to re-enter the race for Edson Alvarez after the Ajax star’s move to Borussia Dortmund stalled.

The Hammers have identified the Mexico international as their perfect replacement for Arsenal-bound Declan Rice, but he was all set to join Borussia Dortmund. However, Dortmund have seemingly pulled out of the deal due to the asking price, which has provided the Premier League club an unexpected boost in their pursuit of the Ajax midfielder.

According to 90min, West Ham are set to revive their interest in Edson Alvarez as David Moyes prepares for life after Declan Rice. Arsenal have agreed a full package of a £105m deal for Rice—a record transfer fee for a British player—and are now discussing the finer details before a medical is scheduled.

Alvarez, 25, has been plying his trade with Ajax since 2019. He has slowly but steadily become one of the club’s most important players, racking up 147 appearances across four seasons at the Johan Cruyff Arena, scoring 13 goals.

After four seasons in the Eredivisie, however, the Mexican midfielder is looking for a new adventure this summer, and with a move to Dortmund hitting a snag, West Ham have the best opportunity to pounce on Alvarez.

Edson Alvarez to West Ham—Good move?

West Ham boss David Moyes is scouring the market for players to offset the potential departure of Rice. He has been a long admirer of Edson Alvarez, whose move to Dortmund collapsed at the 11th hour. This is because Dortmund deemed Ajax’s €40 million asking price absurd and pulled out of the talks, despite agreeing a five-year contract with the player.

Nonetheless, it has now opened the door for West Ham to launch a move for Alvarez. The 25-year-old, highly rated across Europe, is a defensive midfielder by trade but can play operate as a centre-back when required. The Mexican acts as a shield for his team’s backline and stops the opposition’s attacks before it develops. He is an excellent tackler and ball-winner, whilst capable of passing the ball out from tight areas.

With his defensive skills, passing ability and experience at the highest level, Alvarez would be a top fit at the London Stadium. The Mexico international would be a solid replacement for Rice, and while he isn’t of the same class and poise as the ex-West Ham skipper, he could still be a big coup for Moyes’ side.

At 25, Alvarez is at the perfect age to make the step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League. West Ham’s desire to meet Ajax’s €40 million asking price would undoubtedly reflect their ambition to invest in a top-quality player and elevate their status in the Premier League.