Crucial West Ham star Edson Alvarez appears to have suggested he’s staying amid claims he wants out this summer.
It was just eight months ago that Edson Alvarez joined West Ham as one of the club’s replacements for Declan Rice.
The Mexican midfielder has been a huge hit with Hammers fans ever since.
El Machin, as he is known, has become a fundamental player in the side.
And West Ham simply do not win games without him.
Unfortunately due to his penchant for a yellow card, the Hammers have suffered in proving that fact.
Alvarez has adapted well to the rough and tumble of the Premier League.
When given licence he has also showed he is capable of getting forward and scoring the odd goal too.
At £34m from Ajax, his capture looks a bargain.
Lionheart has been an instant hit at West Ham
Alvarez has himself admitted he came close to joining both Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund before signing for West Ham.
In the occasional interview away from West Ham’s in-house media, there has been a worrying theme developing.
Back in October, Alvarez stated he is ‘always open’ to a move after links to Bayern. And he went on to say: “I want to play and show the people my best qualities. But in the summer, you never know what‘s going on.”
Other outlets such as Caught Offside have reported this week that West Ham are concerned Alvarez could push to leave if we do not qualify for Europe.
Given that now looks like a very difficult task, it has caused serious concern among Hammers fans.
Now it seems we may be able to glean some good news reading between the lines of a new interview.
Alvarez appears to suggest he’s staying amid claims he wants out
Because crucial West Ham star Alvarez appears to have suggested he’s staying amid claims he wants out.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the Mexico star seems to hint he will be here next season.
He references the fact he has loved his “first season in England” suggesting there will be a second.
Although he does make a point of saying how important it is for West Ham to try and qualify for Europe in the remaining four games.
“It’s a huge game for us. We know we need to win to stay in the fight for European football, which is our big goal for the rest of the season…” Alvarez said.
“I’ve loved my first season in England, and I’ve learnt so much.
“I think there’s a lot I can improve, so I’m looking forward to getting better and better, but for now I just want to help the team finish as high in the table as possible.”
Xabi Alonso named Alvarez as West Ham’s most fundamental player after he shone against Bayer Leverkusen when returning from suspension to play in the second leg of the recent quarter-final tie.
Hammers must build team around El Machin
The Spaniard suggested his former boss Tim Steidten must build the West Ham team around Alvarez.
Let’s hope the Hammers can do exactly that.
Because the club needs at least 10 to 12 new signings this summer.
West Ham have the joint smallest squad in the Premier League with just 22 players. So it is already running three short.
It is also the second oldest collection of players in the top flight.
Throw in the fact six players are out of contract this summer and the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd and Maxwel Cornet are likely to be sold and the last thing West Ham need is to be trying to replace Alvarez too.
Alavrez’s impact at West Ham is clear for all to see in the video below.