Real Sociedad enquire about West Ham’s Edson Álvarez | OneFootball

Real Sociedad have enquired about signing Edson Álvarez from West Ham as they seek late reinforcements before the league opener at La Cartuja against Betis in two days. According to Diario Vasco, the move follows last week’s collapse of talks for Nayef Aguerd.

Talks with West Ham have been fluid for weeks, and a visit to London was used to engage the player’s camp, though other options remain active.

An Álvarez representative attended Chelsea v Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, the Basques’ final warm-up under Matarazzo. The Mexico captain has told West Ham he wants to leave after relegation to the Championship, and the Hammers prefer a sale over a loan to recoup their 2023 investment.

His agency offered him to Ajax earlier in the window, but the Dutch club are not pursuing him, with Míchel favouring a more ball-playing profile. West Ham are committed to paying Ajax in instalments until 2028 and would keep doing so even if Álvarez is sold.

Álvarez turns 29 in October and is valued at about €15m, still high for La Real. Alternative deal structures are being studied and West Ham are not considering a loan.

A right-sided centre-back who can also operate as a defensive midfielder, Álvarez offers versatility. He captained Mexico at the World Cup, playing four matches before a last 16 exit to England. He played 75 minutes in the EFL Cup on 8 August, then skipped West Ham’s final friendly as all parties accept his future is not in London.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”