da dobrowin： West Ham United could be an ideal club for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez to join in the near future, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: West Ham linked with Alvarez
da pinnacle： The 25-year-old is shining for the Eredivisie giants, proving to be a strong performer in front of the defence and starting all five of his team’s Champions League games so far this season.
Alvarez has been linked with a move to West Ham in recent days, with the Hammers’ recruitment team thought to be impressed by the Mexican.
Midfield is a key area for David Moyes to focus upon moving forward, and a fresh update further suggests that a move for the Ajax man could be on the cards.
The Latest: Jones talks up Alvarez to West Ham
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that West Ham and Alvarez could be a match made in heaven.
He stated:
“I don’t think anyone has been quite convinced yet that he could make the difference to them in terms of making Champions League football.
“So, finding one of those clubs just beneath that, someone like West Ham, can be perfect for him and might actually be a really good platform.”
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The Verdict: Potential Rice replacement?
With Declan Rice’s future at the London Stadium likely to be in doubt in 2023, amid recent reports that he has no intention of signing a new contract at West Ham, along with apparent interest from some of England’s Champions League participants, Alvarez could be a brilliant replacement for the Englishman.
His ability to excel in defensive midfield is undeniable, having averaged 2.8 clearances and 2.6 tackles per game in the Champions League in 2022/23, and he has also been hailed as a ‘winner’ by his coach Alfred Schreuder.
In an ideal world, Rice would stay and Alvarez would come in as well, with the pair dovetailing with one another and creating strong competition for minutes. If not, signing the 25-year-old as a replacement for the Irons captain would be the next best thing.