Manchester United are considering a move for West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez.
One of the areas of uncertainty in the Manchester United team next season is midfield, despite the breakthrough of Kobbie Mainoo.
This is because all of Mainoo’s potential midfield partners have questions hanging over them.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were short-term fixes already possibly on their way out, Sofyan Amrabat’s loan may not be renewed, and Scott McTominay is more of a squad player.
So new recruits are needed, and one could be West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez.
Edson Alvarez: The situation
Fabrizio Romano reports Manchester United are ‘seriously considering’ a move for Edson Alvarez, who can play in midfield and central defence.
He writes on X: “Man United, seriously considering to bring in also new midfielder — almost sure in case Casemiro leaves.
“Understand Mexico captain Edson Alvarez is one of the option discussed internally, appreciated by ten Hag. It’s difficult deal, as West Ham considers him as key player.”
United were making enquiries over midfielders in recent days, Fabrizio Romano had reported earlier in the week.
Alvarez move would be controversial
Alvarez is just one name being considered at present, and it is not surprising at all that his name has cropped up.
He was signed by Erik ten Hag at Ajax, becoming a key part of his title winning team along with Lisandro Martinez.
Alvarez was subsequently linked to Chelsea but signed with West Ham last summer, where he made 28 Premier League starts, plus three substitute appearances.
His status at West Ham is unclear due to a change in management, with former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui replacing David Moyes.
However, Alvarez is just one-year into a long-term deal running to 2028, and so he would not come cheap.
The problem this deal would cause, is that it would be seen as Erik ten Hag pushing a transfer agenda once again towards players he has worked with in the past.
This has brought mixed results, successfully with Martinez, less so with Antony.
New investors Ineos are supposed to be wielding more control in the transfer market – but if Ten Hag handpicks Alvarez as the chosen addition, it will look like it is the Dutchman pulling the strings.