‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game | OneFootball

‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Inside Futbol

Inside Futbol

·18 August 2026

‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game

Article image:‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game

Richard Pelham/Getty Images

West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez, who started in the EFL Cup win over Portsmouth, ‘is close’ to a move to La Liga club Real Sociedad.


OneFootball Videos


Alvarez arrived at West Ham from Dutch giants Ajax in the summer of 2023 and only has two years remaining on his current deal at the London Stadium.

The 28-year-old spent the last season on loan at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but endured a difficult season due to several injury issues and the Yellow Canaries did not trigger their option to buy.

The Mexican midfielder has been looked at by former club Ajax, but the Dutch giants were recently suggested to only have a slim chance of a deal.

Following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship, Alvarez has garnered substantial interest and Real Sociedad have been interested in him since late July.

Article image:‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game

Now, it has been suggested that Real Sociedad are close to signing Alvarez and are in advanced conversations with the player, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto.

It is also believed that Alvarez is willing to accept a reduced salary to make the move happen and he has also requested West Ham to approve his departure.

Alvarez most recently featured for West Ham during their 3-1 win against Portsmouth in the EFL Cup, but it seems a move away from the club is still on the cards.

Besides that, Alvarez might not be the only player to leave the club this summer, as defender Jean-Clair Todibo has ‘reached a verbal agreement’ with French outfit Marseille.

Article image:‘Advanced Conversations’ – West Ham Set To Lose Star Who Started EFL Cup Game

West Ham have already signed Arne Engels to bolster their midfield, but Alvarez’s exit could force them back in the transfer market to look for a replacement.

Alvarez is also able to operate as a centre-back, and that versatility will be lost with his departure.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will want to strengthen his squad during the final weeks of the summer transfer window to make a stronger push to gain Premier League promotion.

It remains to be seen whether Alvarez will make a switch from England to Spain to join Real Sociedad or the Mexican international will stay put at West Ham.

View publisher imprint