Benfica to rival Köln in race for West Ham's Edson Álvarez

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·18 July 2026

SL Benfica have entered the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Edson Álvarez, according to Sky Germany.

The presence of the Portuguese club ought to apply some uneasy pressure on 1.FC Köln who were hoping to sign the Mexican.

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Regardless, FC Köln are still hoping to complete the deal, but the overall package remains too expensive at this stage.

It now remains to be seen what Benfica are prepared to put on the table and whether they can outmuscle the Bundesliga side.

Benfica may have turned their attention to the 28-year-old after they discovered that Bayern Munich's João Palhinha was out of their range.

Last season, Álvarez spent the year on loan from West Ham to Fenerbahçe where he made 12 appearances in the Süper Lig.